Head of Business Engagement

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for skills development and employer engagement? Do you thrive on building impactful partnerships that shape the future of education and workforce development?

We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead the growth and strategic direction of our apprenticeship and employer-contracted education provision. This is a high-profile role that will play a pivotal part in strengthening our reputation as a national leader in higher and degree apprenticeships.

About the Role

Reporting to senior leadership and working closely with Executive Deans, you will:

• Develop and implement a business engagement strategy focused on contracted delivery with public and private sector employers.
• Lead the strategic growth and sustainability of our apprenticeship provision, aligning it with national and regional skills priorities.
• Build and maintain high-value partnerships with employers across sectors including government, NHS, MoD, local authorities, and industry.
• Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary business development team with clear goals and KPIs.
• Collaborate with academic schools and external partners to identify skills gaps and co-create innovative programmes and pathways.

About You

You will bring:

• A strong track record in strategic business engagement, ideally within higher education or training.
• Deep understanding of the UK apprenticeship landscape and skills policy.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver results through collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A passion for creating opportunities that benefit learners, employers, and the wider economy.

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