Strategic Partnerships Manager

Strategic Partnerships Manager Hybrid Working | Preston HQ + Employer Travel Full Time | Permanent Are you a commercially driven relationship builder who enjoys opening doors, developing partnerships, and helping employers solve workforce challenges? We are recruiting on behalf of an ambitious and growing training provider seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to drive employer engagement and business growth across funded and commercial learning solutions. This is an opportunity to join an organisation that believes training should be practical, employer-led, and focused on delivering real workforce impact. The Opportunity This role is ideal for somebody who thrives on building trusted employer relationships rather than simply chasing short-term sales. You will take ownership of identifying new business opportunities, developing long-term partnerships, and helping employers navigate workforce development solutions that support growth, productivity, and future skills planning. Working closely with employers and internal teams, you will promote a range of funded and commercial training solutions while positioning the organisation as a trusted skills and workforce partner. What You Will Be Doing • Developing new employer partnerships and commercial opportunities • Managing the full business development and employer engagement cycle • Building long-term strategic relationships with employers and stakeholders • Supporting workforce planning and training solution design • Identifying repeat business and cross-selling opportunities • Representing the organisation at networking and employer engagement events • Maintaining CRM activity and business pipeline reporting • Working collaboratively with operational and delivery teams to support successful onboarding and delivery What We Are Looking For We are keen to speak with individuals who have experience in business development, employer engagement, partnerships, or consultative B2B sales. You will be commercially aware, confident building relationships, and comfortable managing a sales pipeline from prospecting through to partnership development. Experience within apprenticeships, adult skills, workforce development, or training provision would be highly advantageous but is not essential. Why Consider This Opportunity? This is more than a traditional sales role. It is an opportunity to influence growth, develop strategic employer partnerships, and work within a business that values collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. If you enjoy relationship-led business development and want to be part of a growing organisation making a difference through skills and training, we would welcome a conversation. Safeguarding Statement This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance where appropriate, Right to Work verification, and satisfactory references. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK