Reports to: Head of Partnerships
Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 pa pro rata + commission
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Field-based / Hybrid / Remote
Role 1, Midlands, UK
Role 2, North East, UK
Please specify which role you are applying for
Please apply via our recruitment@otma.ac.uk email.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Manager plays a key role in developing and maintaining relationships with employers, learners, and stakeholders to promote OTM Apprenticeships' (OTMA) full range of training programmes, including Apprenticeships (Levels 3–7), Advanced Learner Loans, ASF, and ELCAS courses.
Although not a line management role, the Partnerships Manager acts as an ambassador for OTM Apprenticeships, identifying opportunities for growth, building sustainable partnerships, and ensuring employers and learners receive outstanding service and support.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Relationship Management
* Identify, contact, and engage new employers and partners to promote OTMA’s training and apprenticeship offer.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with employers to understand workforce needs and create tailored training solutions.
* Achieve monthly and quarterly performance targets related to employer engagement, learner starts, and conversions.
* Represent OTMA professionally in employer meetings, presentations, careers events, and networking functions.
* Work collaboratively with curriculum and quality teams to ensure employer expectations are met and exceeded.
* Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of funding rules, eligibility criteria, and sector priorities.
Employer & Learner Onboarding
* Support the onboarding process for new employers, ensuring all compliance documentation is completed accurately.
* Liaise with the Enrolment & Compliance Officer to ensure eligibility and funding checks are completed promptly.
* Provide clear and accurate information, advice, and guidance (IAG) to employers and learners.
* Ensure employers fully understand apprenticeship requirements, on-programme commitments, and EPA expectations.
* Assist in matching learners to appropriate vacancies and courses.
Sales & Performance
* Manage a personal performance plan and pipeline of employer accounts, ensuring activity aligns with business growth objectives.
* Record all interactions, leads, and conversions accurately in CRM/MIS systems.
* Contribute to marketing and promotional activities to raise awareness of OTMA’s services.
* Provide data and reports to the Head of Partnerships to support forecasting and performance monitoring.
* Attend regular team meetings, sharing best practice and success stories.
Collaboration & Internal Communication
* Work closely with delivery teams to ensure employer and learner needs are communicated effectively.
* Provide feedback from employers to inform curriculum planning and improvement.
* Support the Head of Partnerships with tenders, bids, and regional projects as required.
* Maintain effective communication with internal teams to ensure a smooth learner journey from first contact to completion.
Safeguarding, Prevent & Equality
* Promote OTMA’s safeguarding, Prevent, and equality policies during all external engagement.
* Ensure employers understand their responsibilities regarding learner welfare, health and safety, and equality in the workplace.
* Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
* Embed British Values and inclusivity into all communications and professional relationships.
Key Performance Indicators
* Number of new employer partnerships established
* Employer and learner satisfaction feedback
* Learner start and conversion rates
* Accuracy and timeliness of onboarding documentation
* Contribution to team targets and business growth
* Compliance and audit accuracy for employer data
Qualifications & Experience
* Experience in business development, employer engagement, or recruitment within the FE, skills, or apprenticeship sector (essential)
* Strong understanding of ESFA funding, apprenticeship standards, and training provision (desirable)
* Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
* Target-driven with proven experience of working in a performance-led environment
* Level 3 qualification in Business, Sales, or equivalent (minimum)
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally
Skills & Competencies
* Professional and credible communicator with strong interpersonal skills
* Ability to build lasting relationships and manage multiple employer accounts
* Strong organisational, planning, and administrative skills
* Self-motivated, proactive, and goal-focused
* Confident in using CRM, MIS, and Microsoft Office systems
* Ethical, transparent, and aligned with OTMA’s safeguarding culture
* Commitment to learner success, equality, and continuous improvement
Safeguarding Statement
OTM Apprenticeships is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners aged 16+ and adults. The postholder must uphold this commitment through professional conduct, vigilance, and proactive communication with employers and learners. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and full adherence to OTMA’s safeguarding, Prevent, and safer recruitment policie