Head of Employer Engagement

Salary: £70,268 – £81,979

Contract: Permanent

Location: Home-based with UK travel

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Employer Engagement to lead and deliver a cohesive, organisation-wide employer engagement strategy. This is a standalone leadership role working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and operational colleagues to create a unified, high-impact approach to engaging employers across all divisions.

You will act as the organisation’s principal ambassador for employer relationships, shaping national conversations, influencing labour market practice, and driving ambitious employer-focused outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a comprehensive Employer Engagement Strategy that defines organisational objectives and provides a service portfolio meeting the needs of all operating divisions.
Lead delivery against KPIs aligned to employer strategy and contribute to job outcome performance across programmes.
Oversee the design and implementation of new services that embed best practice in employer engagement.

Internal Capacity Building

Build capability within operational teams to deliver high-quality employer engagement at local and regional levels, including with SMEs.
Work with colleagues to improve systems for capturing and managing employer relationships, including exploring opportunities for automation and AI.

External Influence & Relationships

Act as the organisation’s primary spokesperson on employer issues, securing speaking opportunities and producing thought-leadership content.
Maintain strategic relationships with the organisation’s most committed employer partners and support the growth of employer networks at scale.
Collaborate with employer engagement leads across similar providers to ensure joined-up approaches for national employers.

Market Insight & Service Improvement

Monitor labour market trends and apply insight to shape strategies and services.
Coordinate the collection and analysis of employer feedback to drive continuous service improvement.

Commercial and Partnership Development

Support the development of a commercial sales strategy to promote employer-funded services that enhance social value commitments.
Act as Subject Matter Expert in competitive tenders, evidencing effective employer engagement solutions.

Governance, Compliance & Professional Standards

Promote safe working practices and uphold responsibilities under Health and Safety legislation.
Adhere to safeguarding standards and contribute to maintaining a safe environment for all stakeholders.
Ensure confidentiality, data protection compliance, and effective risk management.
Uphold organisational values and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Person Specification

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Degree-level education and/or significant relevant experience.
Strong technical competence in employer engagement, including networking, communication, and relationship management.
Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Ability to influence and lead beyond direct reporting lines.
Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking skills.

Experience

Senior-level experience in Employer Engagement, Employment Services, Recruitment, or Account Management.
A proven record of designing and delivering organisational strategies.
Demonstrable achievement of targets and outcomes.
Strong understanding of publicly funded employability and skills provision (e.g., DWP programmes, apprenticeships, bootcamps).
Knowledge of employer accreditations, good work principles, and employment legislation.
Experience building strategic employer relationships and understanding labour market trends.
Senior management experience within a large organisation.
Proven partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience delivering significant change, improving systems, and forward financial planning is advantageous.

Skills and Attributes

Excellent IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office and CRM/databases.
Strong commercial awareness and project management capability.
Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Supportive leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire.
Strategic thinking and high personal credibility.
Ability to deliver efficiencies and improved outcomes is beneficial.

Personal Qualities

Demonstrates organisational values through leadership and conduct.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
Commits to equality, diversity, and inclusive recruitment practices.
Willing to travel throughout the UK, including occasional overnight stays.

Sovereign & Bale

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Head of Employer Engagement