We’re looking for a passionate and customer-focused Partnership Development Manager to join our expanding Assessment Organisation (AO). This is a key role within our Partnerships department, focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, including training providers, colleges and universities.
This role plays a key part in the quality and growth of our business, driving our organisation forward, building a strong pipeline and identifying new business opportunities.
You’ll be someone who is already working within the AO or apprenticeships sector, enjoys supporting customers, can successfully manage multiple priorities, and is confident providing guidance on how assessment works in practice and fits into the wider apprenticeship journey.
This role is primarily remote, and we will provide the necessary IT equipment to support you working from home. You will need access to a suitable home working space and strong internet connection.
Occasional travel is required to visit clients, attend conferences and monthly in-person co-working days in Darlington.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Collaborate and influence with internal and external stakeholders, maintaining professionalism and upholding the organisation’s brand and values
- Build new business opportunities, nurture leads and grow accounts
- Risk assess new business opportunities and customers to mitigate potential issues
- Work closely with the Head of Partnerships and colleagues to support growth plans
- Listen to and understand sector challenges and suggest ways we can provide further support to our partners
- Deliver engaging onboarding and training sessions to new customers
- Support and co-host customer webinars, delivering training and presenting to small groups online
- Respond to customer queries via email, phone or video call in a timely, friendly and helpful way
- Conduct regular check-ins and review meetings with existing partners
- Attend in-person customer meetings, industry events and conferences as required (approx. 4-8 times per year)
- Manage your own workload across multiple priorities, being proactive, highly organised and solution-focused
- Keep accurate records, activity logs and dashboards using our CRM
- Keep informed about sector changes, including the assessments we offer, Ofqual regulations and best practice
- Other duties as required
What We’re Looking For
You’ll need to have:
- A thorough understanding of Apprenticeship Assessment and EPA, and the apprenticeships landscape
- Experience working in a similar role within an assessment organisation (or EPAO) or across the wider apprenticeship sector, managing a portfolio of clients
- A proven track record in business growth or development
- Confidence contributing to strategic conversations or service improvements
- A commercial mindset, with the ability to spot opportunities and manage internal and external expectations
- Ability to listen, understand customer and stakeholder issues and work with others to identify practical solutions
- Confidence delivering training and presenting to small groups online
- Strong organisation and time management skills, with accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple relationships and deadlines
- Good use of Office 365, SharePoint and PowerBI
- Strong communication, presentation and client relationship skills
- A data-driven mindset, able to make informed, factual decisions and communicate accurate information
It’d be great if you also have:
- Experience working in a target-driven environment
- Proficiency across systems such as Proficient and HubSpot
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- You drive business growth by building a strong pipeline, identifying new opportunities, and approaching relationships with a customer and commercial mindset
- Our customers feel supported, listened to and well-informed
- You’re a trusted go-to person for partners and a source of expertise in the industry
- You spot opportunities and potential problems, and develop solutions to shape how we work
- Data and CRM tools are kept accurate and up to date
Our Values At 1st for Awarding, our values guide how we hire, support, and grow together. They show up in how we treat each other, how we work with partners, and how we make decisions. You can find more about our values on our website.
Why Join Us?
At 1st for Awarding, we’re a growing, purpose-driven team that genuinely cares about our work, purpose, people and the impact we make. We offer flexibility, trust and a supportive environment where your voice matters and your ideas are heard.
Here’s what else you’ll get:
- Salary 28-30k+, depending on experience
- A remote-first role with built-in flexibility
- Monthly co-working days (with lunch on us!)
- 25 days’ holiday plus 8 bank holidays
- 8 Wellbeing Hours per year - take a breather, go for a walk, enjoy a yoga class, grab a quiet coffee, volunteer, or simply step away for some head space... your choice
- Flexible working, agreed up front – while our standard hours are 9–5, we’re happy to explore a different pattern that works for you and the business, agreed before your start date
- Optional access to Benenden Health, giving you the opportunity to take out a paid health and wellbeing membership
- All the tech you need - laptop, monitor and accessories
- A company with purpose, not just process
Please note only applications with a cover letter tailored for this specific role at 1st for Awarding will be considered.
1st for Awarding is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and apprentices. We expect all staff and freelance contractors to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Our safer recruitment process includes identity verification, reference checks, appropriate online searches, and a thorough review of employment history, including scrutiny of any gaps.
Salary: £28-30KOriginally posted on