Lead Business Development & Ptnships Manager

Barking & Dagenham College; Romford; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

London weighting

Generous holiday and pension

CPD and industry links

Free parking

Travel-to-work support

Job summary

Barking & Dagenham College invites applications for a Lead Business Development and Partnerships Manager. The role is full-time and permanent, focused on expanding employer engagement, securing opportunities and building strategic partnerships to support the college’s commercial objectives.

You will oversee work experience, industry placements and training opportunities for students, collaborating with employers, curriculum teams and external stakeholders to deliver growth and impact.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths (E)
• Level 3 or above Qualification in Sales Management or Marketing or Business Development (D)
• Proven experience and track record in various curriculum related Sectors and Business or a Sales Management role promoting and securing Industry Placements and/or training opportunities (E)
• Proven track record of delivering outstanding results through highly effective leadership qualities and a structured approach to planning for success (E)
• Demonstrative experience of strong professional relationships with key strategic clients (E)
• Proven bid writing experience (D)

Responsibilities

• Drive employer engagement, business growth and partnership development across the College
• Identify, secure and develop new business opportunities to support commercial objectives
• Lead the partnership journey from initial engagement to account management and delivery
• Identify funding and commercial opportunities and support bid/tender submissions
• Lead employer engagement for Work Experience and Industry Placements to provide students with meaningful opportunities

Education

Level 2 English and Maths

Level 3 or above Qualification in Sales Management or Marketing or Business Development

Job description

Join a forward-thinking college where education changes lives.

We are seeking a Lead Business Development and Partnerships Manager, to join our team on a full- time, permanent, basis.

Our Story

Barking & Dagenham College of Further & Higher Education is a dynamic, community-focused college with a strong reputation for technical and vocational excellence. Established in 1961 and operating across Barking and Rush Green campuses, we support thousands of learners and apprentices each year to develop the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to thrive.

With significant investment in our facilities — including our East London Institute of Technology — we provide outstanding learning and working environments for both staff and students.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Business Development and Partnerships Manager, you will play a strategic role in driving employer engagement, business growth, and partnership development across the College. You will be responsible for identifying, securing, and developing new business opportunities that support the College's commercial objectives while creating high-quality work experience, industry placement, progression into apprenticeship, and training opportunities for students.

Working collaboratively with employers, curriculum teams, local authorities, and external stakeholders, you will build and manage strategic partnerships, promote the College's full portfolio of education and training solutions, and undertake employer needs analysis to identify opportunities for growth. You will lead the partnership journey from initial engagement through to account management, recruitment support, and successful delivery.

You will also identify funding and commercial opportunities, support the development of competitive bid and tender submissions, contribute to income generation, and expand the College's employer network.

Alongside this, you will lead employer engagement initiatives for Work Experience and Industry Placements, ensuring students gain meaningful industry opportunities while supporting the College's wider strategic and commercial ambitions.

What We’re Looking For

You should have:

• Level 2 English and Maths (E)
• Level 3 or above Qualification in Sales Management or Marketing or Business Development (D)

In Addition, You Will Demonstrate

• Proven experience and track record in various curriculum related Sectors and Business or a Sales Management role promoting and securing Industry Placements and/or training opportunities (E)
• Proven track record of delivering outstanding results through highly effective leadership qualities and a structured approach to planning for success (E)
• Demonstrative experience of strong professional relationships with key strategic clients (E)
• Proven track record working successfully with employers in the public and / or private sectors (D
• Proven bid writing experience (D)

Please See Attached Job Description For Full Criteria.

What’s In It for You?

We Offer a Wide Range Of Benefits, Including

• A competitive salary of £56,214 – £57,788 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting, dependent on qualifications and experience
• Generous holiday and pension packages
• Ongoing CPD and strong links with industry
• Free parking and access to travel-to-work and technology assistance schemes
• The opportunity to be part of a passionate, supportive team focused on learner success

Advert closing date: 1st September 2026

Barking & Dagenham College is committed to best practice relating to safer recruitment and safeguarding. Please note that all employment checks are made in-line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines and Barking & Dagenham College use AI automation as part of our candidate processing. Job offers will be subject to onboarding checks including social media checks. For further information relating to onboarding expectations/our safeguarding framework, please speak with the Talent team directly.

Barking & Dagenham College is proudly an inclusive employer, striving towards an open culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, safely and without fear of judgment or persecution. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. Should you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You will not be disadvantaged for stating your needs and we want to support you to do your best in this process.