Partnership Development Manager

• Collaborate with marketing to build a strategy that grows awareness and drives inbound interest 

• Identify and approach prospective school partners, including mainstream schools, MATs and specialist settings to build a strong pipeline 

• Build relationships with SENCOs, SEN leads, Headteachers and MAT directors, understanding their needs and positioning Explore Learning's programme compellingly 

• Manage a pipeline of school accounts from first contact through to signed agreement 

• Serve as the primary relationship holder for each school account, building trusted long-term partnerships 

• Conduct regular reviews with school leads, sharing progress data, addressing concerns and identifying opportunities to deepen each partnership 

• Report on pipeline activity, programme progress and partner satisfaction to SLT 

• Own end-to-end management and delivery of the school programme: planning, coordination, onboarding and review, ensuring they run on time and to a high standard 

• Manage the onboarding process for each new school, from signed agreement through to platform set-up, staff briefing and first sessions 

• Maintain detailed project plans, track milestones and proactively manage risks across multiple concurrent partnerships 

• Coordinate internally across education, technology and operations to ensure a seamless school experience 

• Capture and document learnings from the programme to inform the offering 

• Proven experience in a B2B partnership, business development or account management role 

• Confident relationship-builder, able to engage credibly with senior stakeholders in schools or similar public sector settings 

• Self-starter who can work autonomously and bring structure to ambiguous, early-stage situations 

• Familiarity with SEND provision, EHCPs and/or SENCO responsibilities 

• Exceptional, engaging communication skills 

• Comfortable with data, able to interpret progress reports and use evidence in partner conversations 

• Strong project management skills, able to run multiple workstreams concurrently and keep delivery on track 

• Experience working with schools, MATs or within the education sector 

• Demonstrable awareness, curiosity and use of AI tools to maximise productivity 

Additional Perks:

• Enjoy 22 flexible annual leave days (pro rata) + bank holidays + 4 gifted days when centres are closed at Christmas. 
• You’ll have an additional 3 paid days you can take for a personal or religious celebration, wellbeing or a volunteer day.
• You'll also receive additional holiday time based on your length of service.
• Benefit from staff discounts including gym memberships and sportswear, free 16-25 or 26-30 railcard, free counselling services, access to My Possible Self (a wellbeing app), a cycle to work scheme, and a discounted Tastecard. 
• An additional length of service reward will give you access to private health insurance with Vitality.
• We offer fully subsidised tuition for the children of all salaried staff and 50% off Explore Learning membership fees for all immediate relations of staff members.
• Take advantage of our referral bonus offering, payroll giving scheme, enhanced parental leave, and pension options.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

Safeguarding is paramount. Our safer recruitment processes are rigorous and designed to deter, identify and reject anyone who may pose a risk to children. Any offer is strictly conditional upon satisfactory references (taken directly from referees) and an Enhanced DBS check.

You must provide a full employment history with all gaps clearly explained and evidenced where required. Any omission, inconsistency or misleading information may result in your application being rejected, an offer withdrawn, or dismissal.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (and relevant Exceptions Orders). Relevant disclosures will be required in line with DBS and safer recruitment requirements.