Vacancies

Partnerships Manager

Job Introduction

Reporting into Partnerships Director.

Manchester based minimum 2 days a week. Travel required

Monday – Friday 40 hours per week

At Operam Education Group, we bring together a portfolio of specialist, regional education recruitment brands each with deep local expertise and strong school relationships.

Our recruitment teams work at the point where every staffing decision has a direct impact on students’ learning experiences in the classroom. Every unfilled role, every inconsistent supply teacher, every gap in SEND provision has a direct impact on what happens in the classroom, therefore delivering a high-quality service and consistent staffing is essential. For Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), those challenges are multiplied across a wider portfolio of schools.

This role is about making a difference to how we partner with clients.

As a sales professional, you’ll build strong relationships with schools and MAT stakeholders by understanding the real impact of today’s challenges, from staffing shortages and budget constraints to rising SEND demand and positioning how Operam’s services can support at scale.

You’ll act as a trusted advisor, connecting schools with the right mix of talent and solutions across Operam Education Group’s portfolio, helping them improve staffing consistency, manage costs, and maintain high standards in the classroom.

What you will be doing

You’ll represent the full capability of Operam bringing together multiple specialist brands to solve trust-wide challenges, while ensuring delivery lands where it matters: inside individual schools.

Build trusted relationships with MAT leadership teams
Secure and grow Preferred Supplier Agreements (PSAs) across trusts
Lead consultative conversations to understand workforce challenges across multiple schools
Design solutions that improve staffing stability, cost efficiency, and quality
Drive adoption across schools to ensure partnerships translate into real classroom impact
Work with internal teams to deliver consistent, high-quality staffing outcomes
Run regular reviews with MATs, showing measurable improvements andidentifyingfurther opportunities
Lead renewals and expansions across your trust portfolio
Stay close to sector pressures;funding, recruitment trends, and rising SEND demand

Who are we looking for?

Ideally, you’ll come from education recruitment or a consultative B2B sales background in a similar environment.

We’re open to a range of experience where you’ve demonstrated strong relationship-building, commercial thinking, and the ability to influence decision-makers in complex environments.

Skilled at building relationships with senior leaders
Commercially sharp, but motivated by more than just revenue
Proactive and organised, able to manage long-term partnerships
Confident leading conversations, presentations, and negotiations

Our Employee Benefits:

Up to 34 days annual leave, plus bank holidays off
Enhanced sick pay from 2 years’ service
Life Assurance
Employee Assistant Programme
Birthday day off
Wellbeing day off
3 Pledge days per year for volunteering
Reduced hours in school holidays
Annual group conference weekend
Eye care support
Aspiring leaders programme
Recruitment Qualifications

We look forward to receiving your application, our Talent Team will be here to give you more information.

As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, we are committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, and equitable workplace. We believe in providing a fair and transparent recruitment process, where every candidate is assessed solely on their skills, experience, and potential.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or at any stage of the interview, please let us know. We are committed to making the necessary accommodations to support you fully.

Please note that all successful candidates will be required to provide proof of their right to work in the UK before commencing employment.

*benefits subject to edibility criteria

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