Partnerships Manager (Midlands/North) – T Level Ambassador Network
Salary £ 42000 - 47000
Home-based (living in England), with virtual office support
Vacancy listed 20/08/2025
Application deadline 05/09/2025
Details
As a Partnerships Manager (Midlands/North) reporting to the of Director of Programmes, you will play a leading role in coordinating the Department for Education’s T Level Ambassador Network (TAN) in the wider Midlands and North regions of England. 

You will work closely with the Regional Ambassador Chairs, Department for Education (DfE), and TAN leadership to design and deliver dynamic operational plans, manage day-to-day activity, and drive communication and engagement that supports T Level Ambassadors to increase the profile of T Levels in these regions. 

This is a permanent role (with a 6-month probationary period).

Initial main duties and responsibilities 

1. Embed the regional model

  • Work with DfE, TAN leadership, and the Regional Chairs to fully establish the Midlands and North regional subnetworks.
  • Support the set up of systems for communication, engagement, information management, data collection and reporting.
  • Set-up and facilitate engaging induction events for ambassadors transitioning to the regional model.

2. Design and deliver regional operational plans

  • Map the Midlands and North region’s providers, employers, intermediaries, LSIP priorities, skills gaps, and sectoral strengths.
  • Identify and fill gaps in ambassador coverage (sector/geography/activity), supported by SDN Mesma Group’s wider programme team.
  • Co-design quarterly-reviewed strategies and action plans with Regional Chairs and TAN leadership.

3. Day-to-day network management

  • Act as the single point of contact for ambassadors and stakeholders in the region.
  • Onboard, re-engage, or offboard ambassadors in line with agreed processes.
  • Respond to external requests for ambassador support and ensure briefing materials are provided.
  • Track, record, and report ambassador activity to meet KPI and data return targets.

4. Communication and engagement

  • Supported by SDN Mesma Group’s communications team, develop and deliver high-impact regional communication plans aligned with the national TAN approach – including monthly comms/content packs.
  • Coordinate ambassador participation in regional events, campaigns, and forums.
  • Identify case studies and share on-the-ground intelligence to inform policy and practice.

Wider contribution and ways of working

SDN Mesma Group is a virtual organisation with all staff and associates working from home. Our culture is based on trust and flexibility, with a strong and long-term commitment to employees’ and their family’s health and welfare. Staff have freedom to operate and innovate within our overall strategic framework and goals.

  • Enterprise - Where possible, directly contribute to SDN Mesma Group’s customer-facing and fee-earning activities, and business development including new programme bidding, and proactively contribute to the growth and success of the business.
  • CPD - Demonstrate commitment to your own continued professional learning and development, including pursuing relevant qualifications and accreditation.
  • Culture - Work in a collegiate and supportive manner with all the SDN Mesma Group core team and associates.
  • Innovation - Bring ideas into the team and welcome, encourage and explore the ideas of others.

Skills and knowledge requirements

Essential
  • In-depth knowledge of T Levels and/or technical education policy and practice.

  • A strong understanding of the Midlands/North’s education, skills, and employer landscape e.g. providers, regional priorities, partners and business networks.

  • Experience in partnership-building with employers, business intermediaries, and providers.

  • Experience in programme / project delivery, meeting KPIs and deadlines.

  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

  • Proficiency with office technology, in particular Microsoft Office and Teams and digital tools for online delivery (Zoom, Teams, CRM systems).

  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment while contributing to a wider virtual team.

  • To be based in England (ideally in the Midlands/North).

Desirable
  • Experience in ambassador, volunteer, or stakeholder network management.

  • Familiarity with DfE or similar funding environments.

  • Relevant apprenticeship, degree or professional qualification.


Applications

We encourage you to apply ASAP. Pre-interview calls and interviews will be scheduled as strong applications are received.
Please apply by written note and/or by attaching your CV to your application.

Please note, applicants outside of England are not accepted for this position and will be declined


Benefits

25 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays
Flexible working arrangements where possible to support work-life balance
Salary review points and potential for performance bonuses
5% pension contribution in addition to salary

Notes

SDN Mesma Group is a leading specialist in improving technical education (providers) and workforce development (employers) in England. We support training providers, employers, and government bodies through national programmes, CPD, resources, consultancy and research. Our work spans some of the most significant education programmes in England – including T Levels, apprenticeships, and employability initiatives.

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