Employer Engagement Manager

Employer Engagement Manager (Supported Internships)
Location: East London
Hours: Part-time – 21 hours per week (flexible working days)
Salary: Up to £38,000 FTE (Actual: £22,800 per annum)
Bonus: £300 for each internship secured and started
We are excited to be recruiting for a newly created Employer Engagement Manager role at an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ education provider based in East London. This innovative organisation offers a diverse range of programmes in the Creative Industries, including Study Programmes, Apprenticeships, and Adult Learning, and operates from a state-of-the-art £21 million purpose-built academy.
The Employer Engagement Manager will work as part of a high-performing team and focus specifically on promoting and expanding opportunities for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through Supported Internships.
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About the Role
This is a proactive, outward-facing role that combines employer engagement, new business development, and inclusive practice. You will be responsible for building new relationships with employers across sectors, securing high-quality internship placements, and ensuring employers are well supported throughout the process.
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Key Responsibilities:
• Drive new business development to create internship opportunities through lead generation, cold calling, networking, social media promotion, and targeted marketing campaigns.
• Promote the Supported Internship programme across all sectors and build a strong network of employer partners.
• Work collaboratively with the Supported Internship Manager and Senior SEND Manager to ensure effective and high-quality placement matches.
• Lead all employer-related administration including contracts, H&S checks, employer contributions, and surveys.
• Ensure full compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and funding requirements, with accurate documentation maintained.
• Keep the Salesforce CRM system fully updated with all employer engagement activity.
• Share contacts and best practice across the wider Employer Engagement team.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Supported Internship model, including funding and learner support.
• Raise employer awareness of inclusive recruitment and support workplace adjustments for SEND learners.
• Provide guidance on Access to Work funding for employers and learners.
• Build strong relationships with job coaches and support staff to ensure wraparound support.
• Actively participate in sector networks, including BASE (https://www.base-uk.org).
• Plan and deliver events, webinars, and networking opportunities to showcase the internship programme.
• Work closely with the Senior SEND Manager to ensure a strong pipeline of eligible young people for placement.
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What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualities:
• Exceptionally well-organised, self-motivated, and confident managing your own workload.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and inspire.
• Energetic and proactive in seeking out and converting new business opportunities.
• Confident with outbound activity (calls, emails, social media) to engage new employers.
• Target-driven, with a strong focus on securing and converting leads.
• Strong understanding of compliance, safeguarding, and quality standards.
• Empathetic and socially aware, with a passion for supporting disadvantaged young people.
• Experience working directly with young people in education, employability, or SEND settings.
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Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
• Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above.
• A degree or relevant subject qualification would be highly desirable.
• Proven experience in employer engagement, business development, or partnership management.
Desirable:
• Knowledge of supported internships and SEND provision.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms.
• Understanding of Access to Work and inclusive employment practices.
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Why Join?
This is a unique opportunity to join a creative, forward-thinking organisation that champions inclusion, innovation, and learner success. If you're passionate about connecting businesses with opportunities to support young people with SEND—and you thrive in a target-driven, people-focused role—we'd love to hear from you.
For more information, please reach out to Simon Atkin on 0191 3000513 or 07894 752330