Relationship Manager 

Join as a Relationship Manager to really make your mark in our new organisation. This role is an ideal opportunity to build on your funding experience and contribute to the development of adult skills flexibilities, priorities, and innovative/new adult skills programmes.

Welcome to EMCCA

At the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), we are unlocking billions of pounds of investment for our region through our devolution deal with the government. Our elected Mayor will be a powerful voice on the national stage for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, overseeing devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will make our region more prosperous, sustainable, and fairer, helping our people and businesses to create and seize opportunities. EMCCA’s overall work programme is evolving, ambitious and focused on the future to deliver tangible, sustainable, lasting, and systemic change for all our communities.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands

As a Relationship Manager, you will play a crucial role in preparing the Combined Authority to manage the devolved Adult Skills Fund and other adult programmes. Your responsibilities include managing performance and relationships with key learning organisations and stakeholders, both internally and externally, including other Mayoral Combined Authorities. You will contribute to the Adult Skills development process to ensure EMCCA meets its targets, funding allocations, and outcomes, while developing new programmes that align with EMCCA’s Skills Plan and focusing support where needed.

You must have experience with current funding arrangements in the Further Education and Adult Skills sector, as well as experience in developing, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and reviewing commissioning and procurement activities.

This challenging role requires excellent interpersonal skills and a robust strategic approach.

Key responsibilities include:

• Having a proactive approach in managing the performance of learning organisations for ASF and skills provision ensuring funds are effectively deployed based on demand and the strategic ambitions of EMCCA and its partners.
• Contributing to the deployment of EMCCA’s grant allocation and commissioned provision methodology, including reviewing and implementing appropriate procurement routes.
• Supporting the development of, and making recommendations to, internal teams including Technical Officer Groups (TOGs) for ASF commissioning priorities based on the EMCCA’s ASF Strategic Skills Plan, wider employment and skills strategy, future Local Skills Improvement Plans, and other evidence.
• Proactively managing key stakeholder relationships with adult skills teams in EMCCA’s grant and procured funded learning organisations, identifying barriers to delivery and gaps in provision, and developing solutions or sharing best practices.
• Leading the development of specifications for procured and grant funded ASF provision to ensure high-quality contracts that meet regional needs and add social value.
• Analyse data and produce management reports for senior leaders, making recommendations on learning organisation performance and funding reallocation during the academic year.
• Liaising, negotiating, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including managers, employees, Councillors, businesses, Board Members, partnership agencies, and other MCA/GLA regions, to inform strategy, planning, and delivery.

Your profile:

• Degree level education or significant equivalent experience in a transferable role.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, along with project management, partnership working, and negotiation skills, are essential.
• Significant experience either within, or managing learning organisation performance, including MCA.
• Strong understanding of the employment and skills landscape, such as ASF changes, Apprenticeships, and DFE provisions from an MCA, LEP learning organisation.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale/complex contracts with tight deadlines.
• An understanding of effective financial management
• Commitment to customer and community engagement.
• Awareness of frontline staff issues impacting service delivery and customer management, anticipating service needs and continually strive for efficiency.
• Well-developed change management and cultural change skills.
• Analytical skills to understand and communicate project phases.
• High level of personal drive and integrity whilst encouraging innovation, creativity and new ways of working to contribute to team successes and achievements.
• Commitment to continued professional development.

To apply:

For more details on EMCCA, our rewards and benefits, and to apply, please visit: https://eastmidscareers.co.uk

Closing date: 19th January.