Partnership Manager - Awarding Organisation

£36k - £42k+ negotiable dep on experience plus performance related bonus - must have access to own vehicle

National Coverage - remote based with regular travel to Head office York and frequent national travel to prospective centres, employers, events, conferences and industry meetings. Overnight stays are a requirement for the role - paid for by our client

Benefits include 25 days holiday plus 3 days gifted (At company discretion) 10% pension, all business mileage and business related expenses. Flexible working

The Partnership Manager is responsible for securing new business, generating new revenue, and expanding our awarding bodies presence across targeted providers, employers, and strategic partners. The role requires a proactive, opportunity-driven approach, strong communication and presentation skills, and the ability to operate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders within the education and skills sector. The BDM will also support the Partnership Director in retaining, expanding and increasing business with existing accounts, supporting account management strategy.

Do you have a proven track record and significant experience in B2B sales or Business development, have experience in FE, apprenticeships or the EPA/Awarding Organisation sector ? Do you have experience managing a full sales cycle and achieving business targets ideally with Hubspot CRM experience and developing BD strategies and pipelines ?

• Do you have a detailedunderstanding of EPA and apprenticeships in England.?
• Knowledge of Awarding Organisations and the English qualifications market.
• Understanding of relevant education and skills policy.
• Up to date knowledge and understanding of apprenticeship assessment reform

Desirable - Detailed understanding of apprenticeship policy and EPA processes and awareness of the international qualifications market

Our Awarding organisation is a leading, innovative awarding and apprenticeship assessment organisation. They operate across a wide range of sectors including engineering and manufacturing, food and drink, furniture, marine, retail, logistics and more. As a not-for-profit organisation, they reinvest in their people, products, and customer experience.

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They are expanding the team to support continued growth in both qualifications and Apprenticeship Assessment, strengthening its presence in priority employer and provider markets.

Purpose of the Role

The Partnership Manager will drive new business activity by identifying, engaging, and converting new providers, centres, and employers. The Partnership Manager will also support the Partnership Director in expanding and increasing business with existing accounts, supporting account management will represent our awarding body at events, conduct market development activities, deliver persuasive sales meetings, and play a key role in securing new contracts. We are looking for a dynamic, outward-facing candidate with lots of self-motivation, strategic thinking, and the ability to create strong relationships with key decision-makers.

1. New Business Acquisition

• Proactively identify, engage, and convert new centres, providers, and employers.
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to contract signing.
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations and discovery meetings.
• Build and maintain a high-quality new-business pipeline.

2. Market & Opportunity Development

• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
• Attend conferences, networking events, provider forums, and industry meetings.
• Support the development of our clients market intelligence to shape strategic targeting.

3. Strategic Relationship Building

• Build effective relationships with, existing accounts, key industry stakeholders, senior decision-makers, and influencers.
• Represent our awarding organisationas an ambassador for its values, products, and services.
• Work collaboratively with the Partnership Director and other account managers, to ensure effective handover and long-term retention.

4. Reporting & Performance Management

• Maintain accurate CRM records, forecasting, and pipeline reporting.
• Track progress against business development targets and KPIs.
• Provide regular updates to the Partnership Director, Senior Leadership Team, and theTeam.

5. Collaboration & Internal Alignment

• Work closely with Account Managers, Operations, Product Development, and Marketing.
• Feed market insights into product development and strategic planning.
• Support cross-team initiatives to improve customer experience and internal processes.

To apply for the Partnership Manager please email your cv to

Tina Lacey Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to the skills, training and employability sectors nationwide. xbpsjku We are committed to giving full free pre-interview advice and guidance right throughout the interview process.