Role Summary
Are you a commercially minded leader with a passion for building high-impact partnerships? At The Opportunity Provider, we are seeking a Head of Public Sector Partnerships to spearhead our strategic engagement with key public sector bodies, including Local Authorities, Government departments, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and NHS Trusts. In this pivotal leadership role, you will be the driving force behind our growth, positioning us as the trusted, preferred partner for publicly funded programmes. You will bridge the gap between national policy and local delivery, shaping collaborative solutions that respond directly to community needs while extending our organisational impact.
Location
Hybrid with national travel
Contract
Permanent
Salary
Starting from £53,000 per annum
Responsibilities
* Strategic Relationship Management: Build and manage high-level relationships across the public sector, including Combined Authorities and the NHS.
* Centralised Coordination: Own existing public sector relationships and establish a coordinated approach to managing them across the organisation.
* Opportunity Identification: Identify and assess critical funding and partnership streams across Apprenticeships, Adult Skills, Youth Guarantee, NEET, DWP, and Pre‑Employment programmes.
* Early Engagement & Positioning: Lead early positioning activity to ensure The Opportunity Provider is well-placed for upcoming tenders and funding calls.
* Collaborative Bid Development: Work hand‑in‑hand with internal curriculum, operations, marketing, and finance teams to design compelling, winning propositions and develop high‑quality bid content.
* Market Intelligence & Representation: Represent the organisation at regional and national forums and local skills events to raise our profile and gather vital market intelligence.
* Pipeline Management: Maintain and report on a robust pipeline of partnership and funding opportunities, tracking progress against KPIs such as bid conversion rates and funding value.
* Policy & Strategy Alignment: Stay informed on local and national policy developments and funding rules to inform growth strategy and support regional plans.
* Contract Mobilisation Support: Work closely with Operations to ensure contracts are mobilised effectively.
About You
* Sector Expertise: Proven experience in business development, partnerships, or stakeholder engagement within Further Education, skills, employability, or the public sector.
* Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of government-funded training programmes, including Apprenticeships, Adult Education Budget, DWP contracts, and Skills Bootcamps.
* Proven Success: Demonstrable success in securing funding or contracts through competitive bidding or strategic partnerships.
* Strategic Thinking: Ability to align external market opportunities with internal capabilities to drive sustainable growth.
* Exceptional Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with direct experience contributing to professional bids and tenders.
* Professional Integrity: Commitment to professionalism, reliability, and honesty, combined with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
* Values‑Led Approach: Enthusiastic and proactive attitude, with a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and continuous professional growth.
Benefits
* A competitive salary plus tax‑free bonus
* 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), plus a day off for your birthday
* Option to buy or sell up to 5 additional leave days
* Healthcare cash plan, dental plan, and 24/7 GP access
* Enhanced sick pay and life insurance
* Mileage and travel expense reimbursement
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Living Wage employer, committed to inclusivity and growth through high‑quality apprenticeships. We believe in transforming lives through training and creating positive change across the hospitality industry.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
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