Head of Employer Relationships (Apprenticeships)

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for forging strong partnerships that directly address the skills needs of employers?

We’re seeking a Head of Employer Relations to lead our college’s engagement with businesses and employers. This is a role for a proven professional who thrives on developing innovative solutions, building relationships, and ensuring our curriculum remains responsive to the needs of the future workforce requirements.

You’ll lead a team, manage key relationships, and help to shape our curriculum to meet the current and future needs of employers.

Essential Criteria

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including experience with formal presentations and negotiation.

Proven ability to investigate and resolve complex problems through analysis and creative thinking.

Experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with responsibility for staff appraisals and development.

The ability to work independently and respond to unexpected situations with initiative.

Key Responsibilities

lead and Inspire: Supervise a team, providing mentorship and conducting appraisals to support their development. Manage a substantial budget and oversee departmental income generation.

Build Relationships: Act as a college representative to a variety of external partners, negotiating and reconciling priorities to achieve cooperation and enhance our reputation.

Innovate and Problem-Solve: Investigate complex issues, analyse information, and develop original solutions to challenges that have never arisen before.

Curriculum: Play a vital role in the development of new courses and college policies by coordinating input from stakeholders to ensure our programs are relevant to employer needs.

Additional Information

As part of the recruitment process and in line with keeping children safe in education, we will conduct social media checks on shortlisted candidates. Additionally, before commencing employment, all employees undergo safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Why join us?

Competitive salary

30 Bookable annual leave days, bank holidays, and 2 weeks off at Christmas.

Professional development opportunities.

Access to same-day GP appointments, high street discounts, discounted hair and beauty treatments, electric car scheme.

On-site gym & florist (site dependent).

Access to our In-house Food Hall & Coffee Shops.

Closing date: 9th September 2025

Interested? Click Apply now!

For further information about the role, please contact staff.recruitment@dncolleges.ac.uk.