Partnership Development Manager

We’re looking for a passionate and customer-focused Partnership Development Manager to join our expanding Assessment Organisation (AO). This is a key role within our Partnerships department, focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, including training providers, colleges and universities.

This role plays a key part in the quality and growth of our business, driving our organisation forward, building a strong pipeline and identifying new business opportunities.

You’ll be someone who is already working within the AO or apprenticeships sector, enjoys supporting customers, can successfully manage multiple priorities, and is confident providing guidance on how assessment works in practice and fits into the wider apprenticeship journey.

This role is primarily remote, and we will provide the necessary IT equipment to support you working from home. You will need access to a suitable home working space and strong internet connection.

Occasional travel is required to visit clients, attend conferences and monthly in-person co-working days in Darlington.

• Collaborate and influence with internal and external stakeholders, maintaining professionalism and upholding the organisation’s brand and values
• Build new business opportunities, nurture leads and grow accounts
• Risk assess new business opportunities and customers to mitigate potential issues
• Work closely with the Head of Partnerships and colleagues to support growth plans
• Listen to and understand sector challenges and suggest ways we can provide further support to our partners
• Deliver engaging onboarding and training sessions to new customers
• Support and co-host customer webinars, delivering training and presenting to small groups online
• Respond to customer queries via email, phone or video call in a timely, friendly and helpful way
• Conduct regular check-ins and review meetings with existing partners
• Attend in-person customer meetings, industry events and conferences as required (approx. 4-8 times per year)
• Manage your own workload across multiple priorities, being proactive, highly organised and solution-focused
• Keep accurate records, activity logs and dashboards using our CRM
• Keep informed about sector changes, including the assessments we offer, Ofqual regulations and best practice
• Other duties as required

• A thorough understanding of Apprenticeship Assessment and EPA, and the apprenticeships landscape
• Experience working in a similar role within an assessment organisation (or EPAO) or across the wider apprenticeship sector, managing a portfolio of clients
• A proven track record in business growth or development
• Confidence contributing to strategic conversations or service improvements
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to spot opportunities and manage internal and external expectations
• Ability to listen, understand customer and stakeholder issues and work with others to identify practical solutions
• Confidence delivering training and presenting to small groups online
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple relationships and deadlines
• Good use of Office 365, SharePoint and PowerBI
• Strong communication, presentation and client relationship skills

• A data-driven mindset, able to make informed, factual decisions and communicate accurate information
• Strong communication, presentation and client relationship skills
• Good use of Office 365, SharePoint and PowerBI
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple relationships and deadlines
• Confidence delivering…