Employer Partnership Manager

Acorn Training Ltd

. Develop and maintain a network of employers across sectors, generating sustainable employment, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities while promoting the Youth Guarantee programme .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeBurton upon Trent • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £28,471 - £31,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in employer engagement, recruitment, and job matching, with a strong focus on developing sustainable employment opportunities for young people. Proficient in building relationships, managing pipelines, and providing ongoing support to ensure successful placements and retention.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Employer EngagementRecruitment ExperienceBusiness Development SkillsStrong Communication SkillsUnderstanding of Safeguarding Requirements

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Job MatchingVocational ProfilingStrengths-Based AssessmentsPerformance Target ManagementLabour Market AnalysisReverse MarketingOnboarding CoordinationIndividual Support PlansNegotiation SkillsPipeline Management

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingNetworking SkillsCoaching SkillsInfluencing SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

IT SkillsRecord Keeping SystemsFeedback Gathering Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

GCSE English and MathsLevel 3 Qualification in EmployabilityInformation, Advice and Guidance Qualification (IAG Level 3 or Above)Mental Health First AidSafeguarding Qualifications

Industry Keywords

Youth Guarantee ProgrammeDWP-Funded Employability ProgrammesSupported Employment MethodologiesApprenticeship FundingWelfare-to-Work Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain a network of employers across sectors, generating sustainable employment, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities while promoting the Youth Guarantee programme
Source, negotiate and manage quality-assured vacancies and placements
Build employer relationships through business development, networking, workplace visits and regular engagement
Understand employer requirements, workplace culture, progression pathways and success factors to support effective job matching
Use job matching and reverse marketing to connect participants with employment opportunities and create bespoke opportunities
Liaise between participants and employers throughout recruitment, onboarding and in-work support
Agree onboarding arrangements, workplace support, reasonable adjustments and employment success plans
Complete vocational profiling and strengths-based assessments
Develop and review Individual Support Plans, providing coaching, job-search support and interview preparation
Coordinate specialist and community-based support services
Provide ongoing in-work support, monitor progress, address issues and maximise retention and progression
Collaborate with Jobcentre Plus, training providers, community organisations and other stakeholders
Maintain accurate records of employer engagement, vacancies, participant activity and contractual outcomes
Gather and use employer and participant feedback for continuous improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) (Essential)
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (Essential)
Understanding of Safeguarding Requirements when working with young people (Essential)
Proven experience in recruitment, employer engagement, business development, sales, account management, employment services or a similar employer-facing environment (Essential)
Experience developing employer relationships and generating vacancies, placements or employment opportunities (Essential)
Strong networking, business development and relationship-building skills (Essential)
Ability to identify employer needs and convert discussions into recruitment or placement opportunities (Essential)
Experience matching candidates to vacancies and supporting successful recruitment outcomes (Essential)
Knowledge of local labour markets, employer recruitment practices and workforce trends (Essential)
Strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills (Essential)
Ability to manage a pipeline of employers, vacancies and participants simultaneously (Essential)
Experience working to performance targets, outcomes and contractual requirements (Essential)
Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience) in Employability, Business, Recruitment, Advice & Guidance, Youth Work or a related field (Desirable)
Information, Advice and Guidance qualification (IAG Level 3 or above) (Desirable)
Employer Engagement, Sales or Account Management training (Desirable)
Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding or Youth Work qualifications (Desirable)
Knowledge of DWP-funded employability programmes and Youth Guarantee delivery (Desirable)
Strong IT skills (Desirable)
Experience delivering presentations/workshops and employer briefings (Desirable)
Ability to analyse labour market intelligence (Desirable)
Experience leading employer events, recruitment fairs or sector based events (Desirable)
Knowledge of local and regional economic priorities (Desirable)
Knowledge of apprenticeship funding and work placements (Desirable)
Understanding of supported employment methodologies (Desirable)
Welfare-to-work, employability or supported employment experience (Desirable)
Experience working with young people (Desirable)
Knowledge of apprenticeships, traineeships and skills pathways (Desirable)
Understanding of barriers faced by disadvantaged or underrepresented groups (Desirable)
Experience using reverse marketing, job carving or supported employment methodologies (Desirable)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant
Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing
Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards
£500 Recommend a friend scheme