Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

Overview

Drive growth. Shape strategic partnerships. Transform the future of apprenticeships at Manchester Met.

Are you an ambitious, forward thinking leader with a passion for building high impact partnerships and driving sustainable business growth? We're looking for a Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships to lead our expanding commercial and employer engagement activity within Manchester Met's sector leading Apprenticeships Unit.

Our Apprenticeships Unit sits at the forefront of degree apprenticeship innovation and delivery, with a strong reputation for excellence and impact. As part of our Senior Management Team, you will shape and execute a dynamic growth strategy, identify new markets, and build powerful partnerships that unlock opportunity for learners, employers, and the wider skills ecosystem.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Director of Apprenticeships, you will set the vision for business development and lead a multi disciplinary team covering new programme development, recruitment, bids, partnerships, account management and employer engagement. The role is pivotal in driving the next phase of our growth, ensuring we continue to respond to market opportunities, strengthen our presence nationally, and diversify our portfolio of skills based provision.

You will:

• Lead the development and execution of annual growth plans, informed by market intelligence and skills policy.
• Drive high quality employer engagement, building strategic relationships with regional and national stakeholders including employer networks, FE providers and Combined Authorities.
• Oversee bid development, tenders, and income diversification initiatives, ensuring robust pipeline management and reporting.
• Ensure targets for business acquisition, account management, and partnership development are met, and surpassed.
• Champion quality, compliance, and a high performance culture across your team.

About you

We're seeking a collaborative and influential leader who brings:

• A proven track record of leading business development and strategic partnership functions within a complex organisation.
• Deep understanding of the UK skills landscape, employer engagement, and funding mechanisms, and how this translates within a Higher Education setting.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience securing new business via bids, tenders, and long term commercial relationships.
• The ability to inspire high performing teams and deliver ambitious growth targets.

You'll be joining a high performing team during a period of significant sector change, so creativity, resilience and strategic thinking are essential.

Why Manchester Met?

Manchester Met is a vibrant, values driven university with a strong reputation for innovation, excellence and inclusivity. Our Apprenticeships Unit works with more than 700 employers and delivers industry aligned programmes to over 3,000 apprentices annually-a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the quality of our work.

You'll be part of a community where ambition is celebrated, collaboration is encouraged, and your work directly contributes to transforming lives, organisations, and regional skills development.

Informal Enquiries

To discuss the role informally, please contact James Walker, Director of Apprenticeships ().

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via our recruitment system and include:

• A full CV
• A supporting statement (max. two pages) outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the essential criteria.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.