Business & Partnerships Officer in Blackburn

We are seeking a proactive and strategic Business & Partnerships Officer to join our Sustainable Communities team in Blackburn. This pivotal role focuses on building strong relationships with local employers to secure employment, training, and work placement opportunities for our community.

Newground Together is a registered Charity and a part of the Together Housing Group, a social landlord with over 38,000 properties across the north of England. Newground Together aims to empower people to create sustainable communities that are connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous. Newground Together is committed to supporting people into jobs and training opportunities, connecting with young people and families, creating memorable outdoor experiences and providing health and wellbeing activities.

Diversity & Inclusion: As an organisation we are committed to having a Diverse and Inclusive workforce. We would therefore welcome applications from candidates with any of the nine protected characteristics. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Requirements

• Develop and manage key employer and partner relationships.
• Develop and maintain employer engagement management information.
• Develop and manage influential relationships with Employer Coalitions, Chambers of Commerce and employer representative bodies.
• Develop and manage effective delivery of employer programmes and engagement activity.
• Broker work experience, and supported employment opportunities for programme participants.
• Work effectively with members of the Sustainable Communities Employment & Skills team to ensure candidates’ development routes are appropriate for the opportunities being brokered and aligned to labour market opportunities.
• Support the recruitment process utilising knowledge of the employer and working alongside the employment team to maximise opportunities for clients to secure employment.
• Assist in the delivery of new and existing projects that progress the organisational objectives in relation to employment.
• Build and maintain strong links and working relationships with relevant statutory and non-statutory organisations.
• Engage with local business and employers to understand business needs and promote our client base and services.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
• Proven track record of employer engagement and relationship management with results.
• Experience of successfully brokering work experience, apprenticeships, traineeships and supported employment opportunities for employability programme clients.
• Experience of working with clients aged 18+ years.
• Knowledge of the local labour market & employers.
• Knowledge & understanding of local, regional and national priorities in the employment/employability sector.

Benefits

• Starting Salary of £32,669.
• Office and field based role.
• 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 over 5 years’ service) + bank holidays.
• A flexible working environment, with a range of family friendly policies.
• You will be working 37 hours per week, between the hours of Monday – Friday 8am-6pm with occasional evening and weekend work.
• Working arrangements are flexible in line with our Smart working culture.
• Wide range of professional, and personal development training opportunities.
• Attractive pension scheme.
• A range of financial, health and lifestyle benefits including cycle to work, vehicle leasing and financial advice.

THG reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient numbers of applicants are received. Therefore, please apply without delay! Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form. Due to the nature of the role involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post is subject to a Basic Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.