Head of Partnerships

Job Reference

3058

Application Closing Date

12/12/2025

Division, Department

CU Coventry (CUC) ,CUC NITE Professional Services

Salary

Competitive starting salary range from £45,361.00 up to £48,635.00 per annum (dependent upon experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered.

Mode

Permanent , Full Time

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them. Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group's ongoing progress in communities around the world.

The National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE), part of Coventry University Group, is committed to raising the profile of teacher education on a global scale. NITE provides comprehensive, school-based teacher training pathways and professional development programmes designed to support teachers and leaders at every stage of their careers.

All courses are rooted in evidence-based educational practices and delivered by leading educators with firsthand understanding of the challenges in teaching and school leadership. With technology at the core of its delivery model, NITE ensures maximum flexibility and accessibility, offering full-time or part-time study options and multiple start dates to accommodate busy professionals and broaden access to professional development.

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded leader to step into the role of Head of Partnerships, driving NITE's ambitious growth plans and expanding our presence across the education sector. In this role, you will take ownership of developing and securing high-value partnerships with schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, universities, local authorities, education ministries, and other key organisations in the UK and overseas. Working alongside the Director of Partnerships, you will set the pace for partnership strategy, lead a motivated team of Partnership Development Managers, and build a strong pipeline of opportunities that deliver student recruitment, extend market reach and unlock long-term, sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the acquisition of new partnerships that drive organisational growth and visibility.
• Designing and managing a clear pipeline of opportunities, ensuring delivery of growth targets.
• Negotiating and securing high-value agreements with education providers and sector bodies.
• Using data insights and market analysis to inform decision-making and identify new opportunities.
• Representing NITE at national and international forums, building networks that raise our profile and create new avenues for collaboration.
• Supporting organisational leadership with financial planning and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are looking for a results-driven, innovative and strategic leader with a proven record in business development, partnerships, or external relations. You will have significant experience of forging senior-level agreements and building sustainable relationships across complex organisations. With strong knowledge of the education and workforce development sectors, you will bring credibility and confidence when engaging with senior stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will combine commercial acumen with a values-driven approach, balancing growth objectives with NITE's mission to advance teacher education. You will be motivated by measurable results, an excellent communicator, and able to lead and inspire others. Above all, you will bring creativity, resilience and a solutions-focused mindset that ensures NITE continues to expand its impact across the sector.

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have a access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits including:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Life Assurance 4 x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To work scheme

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

We look forward to hearing from you