Head of Public Sector Partnerships

Head of Public Sector Partnerships

Location: Hybrid with National travel

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Starting from £53,000 per annum 

The Role

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 organizational impact.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Relationship Management: Lead the charge in building and managing high-level, strategic relationships with diverse stakeholders across the public sector landscape, including Combined Authorities and the NHS.
• Centralised Coordination: Take full ownership of existing public sector relationships and establish a centralised, coordinated approach to managing them effectively across the organization.
• 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: Ensure we are at the forefront of the market by leading 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 our internal curriculum, operations, marketing, and finance teams to design compelling, winning propositions and co-develop high-quality bid content.
• Market Intelligence & Representation: Represent the organization 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 key performance indicators (KPIs) like bid conversion rates and funding value.
• Policy & Strategy Alignment: Stay informed on local and national policy developments and funding rules to inform our growth strategy and support the development of regional plans.
• Contract Mobilisation Support: Working closely with Operations to ensure contracts are mobilised effectively.

About You

We're looking for a competent and confident individual with:

• Sector Expertise: Proven experience in business development, partnerships, or stakeholder engagement within Further Education, skills, employability, or the public sector.
• Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of government-funded training programmes, including Apprenticeships, Adult Education Budget (AEB), DWP contracts, and Skills Bootcamps.
• Proven Success: Demonstrable success in securing funding or contracts through competitive bidding or strategic partnerships.
• Strategic Thinking: The 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: A commitment to professionalism, reliability, and honesty, combined with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Values-Led Approach: An enthusiastic and proactive attitude, with a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and continuous professional growth.

Why Work With Us?

At The Opportunity Provider, your professional growth is our priority. We’ll support you with further qualifications, continuous development, and a collaborative team environment where your work makes a tangible difference. You’ll also enjoy:

• A competitive salary + tax-free bonus
• 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), plus a day off for your birthday
• Option to buy/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

Why Join The Opportunity Provider?

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.

If you’d like to discuss flexible working options or need support during the recruitment process, email us at careers@top.training.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.