Employer Engagement Executive

Overview

Wigan & Leigh College is seeking a full-time Employer Engagement Executive to join the Employer Engagement department. This permanent or fixed-term position involves working 37 hours per week onsite at the college, based in Leigh, Auckland, New Zealand. The role focuses on building strong partnerships with businesses across Wigan, Greater Manchester, and surrounding areas to identify workforce needs and connect employers with suitable educational and training opportunities offered by the college.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and nurture relationships with both new and existing employers.
• Discover opportunities in apprenticeships, commercial training, adult learning, and tailored workforce development solutions.
• Analyze employer skill requirements to create effective, practical plans.
• Manage employer leads from initial engagement to final action.
• Meet recruitment, income, and employer engagement objectives.
• Expand major employer accounts through consistent communication and training needs assessments.
• Assist with apprenticeship vacancy support and onboarding of employers.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date CRM records, ensuring a clear pipeline of activities.
• Collaborate with curriculum, apprenticeship, and marketing teams to advance identified opportunities.
• Represent the college at regional employer events and networking forums.

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience in employer engagement, business development, account management, sales or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities to build and maintain relationships.
• Confident in initiating contact with new employers and growing existing accounts.
• Proven ability to work towards measurable targets.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Well organized with the capability to juggle multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Proficient with CRM systems and digital tools.
• Familiarity with apprenticeships, adult education, or workforce development is beneficial.
• Experience working with local business networks or employer markets is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Commercial mindset to translate discussions into tangible opportunities.
• Skilled at building networks and fostering collaboration.
• Inquisitive approach to understand challenges before proposing solutions.
• Determined and persistent in following up and maintaining momentum.
• Responsive and attentive to employer needs, ensuring high service standards.
• Confident in presenting, negotiating, and conducting professional conversations at all levels.
• Highly organized in managing leads, actions, and targets.
• Collaborative and strategic about involving relevant specialists within the college.

Additional Requirements

• Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which the college will facilitate.
• Commitment to safeguarding and fostering inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to frequently travel to employer and partner locations.
• Possession of a valid driving license.
• Flexibility to work beyond usual hours when required for events or college activities.

Compensation and Benefits

The yearly compensation ranges from 37,813 to 42,540.

Employees receive generous annual leave including bank holidays, family-friendly leave options, and a comprehensive range of wellbeing initiatives such as 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, Medicash healthcare plan, occupational health services, confidential counseling, and vouchers for eye tests.

Financial security is supported through participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme and salary sacrifice programs including Cycle to Work, technology purchase schemes, railcard discounts, and other local and national savings opportunities.

Professional growth is encouraged with defined career progression routes, ongoing training and development, and opportunities to specialize or expand commercial expertise and leadership skills.

Application Details

Applicants are required to complete the application form in full. Submission of CVs alone is not accepted. The deadline to apply is July 19, 2026.