Employers & Partnerships Lead

Help shape the future of technology education across the South East

The TechFirst programme aims to expand access to high-quality technology education and career pathways for young people.

The Partnerships Lead role will drive the partnership strategy working across STEM Learning and external partners, acting as a key point of contact ensuring positive and productive working relationships.

This role will lead the development of scalable approaches to employer engagement across London and the South East using our existing STEM Ambassador programme and infrastructure to enable industry professionals to support TechFirst activity.

About Us

STEM Learning’s vision is a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK. We are dedicated to improving young people’s lives through the power of STEM and believe great STEM education builds knowledge and skills that are vital for everyone.

To achieve this, we provide a range of support to formal and informal education, including subject-specific professional development for teachers and other educators, quality assured resources, support for STEM Clubs, and student-facing experiences. We also lead the STEM Ambassadors programme, which enables 28,000 volunteers to share their enthusiasm and expertise with young people and teachers throughout the UK via classroom activities, career talks, etc.

TechFirst is a new national, government funded programme connecting young people with employers, volunteers, technology professionals, and education partners to inspire future careers and develop the skills needed for tomorrow's workforce.

We believe every young person should have access to high-quality technology education and meaningful opportunities to engage with the world of work.

Take a look inside the National STEM Learning Centre in York to see our facilities.

The Role

You will provide strategic leadership for employer and partner engagement for TechFirst across London and the South East, developing and maintaining a high-quality, sustainable network of employers, industry bodies, higher education institutions and other partners that enables the programme to achieve its objectives.

You’ll own the partnership strategy and working with Regional Leads, partners, and programme delivery colleagues, will play a key role in ensuring that young people have access to high-quality, meaningful engagement opportunities that align with both programme objectives and local needs.

Working with colleagues across STEM Learning, and with partners externally, the role will encompass:

• Partnership strategy and leadership
• Strategic stakeholder management
• Employer and volunteer engagement
• Partnership performance and delivery

A key responsibility will be to contribute positively to the programme's reputation as a trusted partner for employers, schools, activity providers, and organisations seeking to support young people's technology education and career development.

Our Ideal Candidate

You will have experience of working with employers, education providers, community organisations, or voluntary sector partners, translating stakeholder interest into measurable outcomes.

You will be an effective people influencer with excellent organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities.

You will have knowledge of the technology, digital or STEM sectors, particularly with the frontier technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI)m, Advanced Connectivity, Cyber Security, Engineering Biology, Quantum Technologies, and Semiconductors.

You will have experience of working within publicly funded programmes.

The role holder will be required to undertake regular travel across the South East and occasional travel to national meetings.

Why Join Us

At STEM Learning, you’ll be part of an organisation that’s making a real difference in the lives of young people. As a Regional Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of STEM education, connecting students with industry leaders, and driving innovation in careers education.

By joining us, you’ll:

Contribute to exciting, high-profile STEM initiatives that have a lasting impact on students and employers alike.

Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of STEM careers.

Be supported by a collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

Gain the opportunity to grow professionally.

If you’re passionate about STEM education and ready to progress your career in project management, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Benefits

30 days holidays plus bank holidays (plus your birthday)

Access to an attractive pension scheme

Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week

Up to 3 paid volunteering leave days per year

A comprehensive employee assistance programme

Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more

Location

South East England (with regular travel across the sub-region and London and occasional travel to York).  This role will be working from home alongside regular days in our London office with the wider team.

Next Steps

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining what interested you in the role and why you think you are our ideal candidate.  

Closing date: 9am Monday 30th November

1^st stage interviews:  Tuesday Monday 7th December (online)

2^nd stage: Tuesday 15th December (in person interviews in London)

STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences.

We foster a culture where every employee’s voice is respected and valued.