Strategic Partnerships Manager - Public Sector in England

At MetaGedu Apprenticeships, we do things differently, delivering a tailored solution that allows you to meet the challenges of recruiting, upskilling, and developing the right talent for your business needs.

About the Role:

This is a rare opportunity to build something significant. You won't simply be responding to opportunities or managing existing relationships; you'll be helping to shape the conversations, partnerships and strategic positioning that determine where future opportunities emerge.

As the face of MetaGedu across the public sector, you will develop high-value relationships with local authorities, combined authorities, government departments, NHS organisations, universities, colleges and other strategic stakeholders. You will identify opportunities long before they become formal procurements, building the intelligence, partnerships and credibility that position MetaGedu as a trusted and innovative partner.

Please Note: This role is remote with field based activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with public sector organisations and key stakeholders across the UK, positioning MetaGedu as a trusted partner in education, skills and workforce development.
• Engage with commissioners, procurement leads, local authorities, combined authorities, NHS organisations, government agencies and economic development teams to identify opportunities, influence commissioning activity and build a sustainable pipeline of future business.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and represent MetaGedu at regional and national events, promoting our learner-first approach, subject matter expertise and innovative education and workforce development solutions.
• Identify and monitor procurement opportunities, funding streams, frameworks and market developments, supporting pre-procurement engagement, partnership discussions and market consultations to maximise future contract success.
• Develop account plans and stakeholder maps, building strategic partnerships that strengthen MetaGedu's market position and support organisational growth.
• Gather and share market intelligence, policy updates and customer insights to inform business strategy and support bid development.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Bid and Operational teams to translate customer insights into compelling, customer-focused proposals, contributing to win strategies, stakeholder engagement, presentations and procurement activities to maximise contract success.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven track record of developing and managing strategic relationships within the public sector, with the gravitas and authenticity to build trust and influence across all levels, particularly with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Extensive experience of working within education, skills, apprenticeships or workforce development and a strong understanding of public sector structures, commissioning processes, procurement routes and framework agreements.
• Demonstrable experience of identifying and developing opportunities ahead of formal tender release through proactive stakeholder engagement and market intelligence.
• Strong understanding of bids, tenders and the end-to-end public procurement lifecycle, with the ability to use customer insight and intelligence to shape winning solutions.
• Strategic self-starter who takes ownership of relationships and proactively develops opportunities through networking, partnership building and effective stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to engage senior leaders, understand organisational priorities and articulate MetaGedu's unique value proposition.
• Highly self-motivated and entrepreneurial, with the ability to work independently, take ownership of strategic objectives and consistently create new opportunities.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience of working collaboratively across departments and contributing to successful bids and growth strategies.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholder relationships.

Desirable:

• Existing relationships and networks across local government, combined authorities, NHS organisations, universities, colleges and other public sector bodies.
• Understanding of government skills policy, devolution agendas and workforce development priorities.
• Experience supporting successful bids, tenders or framework applications.
• Experience of working in apprenticeship, further education, higher education or employability sectors.

This is a chance to be part of a team with big plans for the sector, backed by a global education group, and driven by a mission to transform lives through meaningful apprenticeships. If you’re ready to make your next move, we want to hear from you.

MetaGedu Apprenticeships Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All posts are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service certificate (DBS), Social Media Checks (Education), and any other checks deemed relevant to the role. Our safeguarding policy can be found at and data protection policy.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disabilities, and religions/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.