Relationship Manager (Adult Skills Fund)

• Role_Description_-_2025

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, CV applications will only be accepted alongside a completed personal and monitoring information online application form.

Please note that this is a 12-month fixed term contract.

About the Role

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is seeking an exceptional individual to join the Skills Programmes Team who are responsible for delivering over £50m of skills provision each year including Adult Skills Fund, Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs and other skills programmes.

The post holder will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with colleges, local authorities and independent training providers delivering skills to City Region residents to ensure local skills priorities can be met to fulfil the City Region’s growth potential through high quality training delivery.

This role includes responsibilities to ensure the ongoing effective implementation of the Adult Skills Fund business cycle through College and provider contract management, leading contract negotiations for specific provider allocations and curriculum changes, escalating key programme risks, and overseeing College and training provider performance to help ensure the skills needs of the City Region are met.

About the person

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of national skills policy and skills funding programmes. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work at a senior level across partner organisations strategically to achieve outcomes.

We are seeking an individual with significant experience of stakeholder engagement and performance management, able to provide contract management and oversight of a range of delivery partners.

The post holder will work effectively with a range of providers and stakeholders including DfE, DWP, Skills England, OFSTED, and other Combined Authorities. The Relationship Manager plays a key role in designing and implementing local skills policy, using our devolution powers to maximum effect. Experience in the skills sector is key as is the ability to build strong relationships to drive successful delivery.

If you think you match the job description, and our values, then click on the link to apply.

Please ensure that you provide clear examples and evidence in your application of how you meet the below key essential criteria. The information you provide in your application will be used for shortlisting.

1. Knowledge of the publicly funded training sector and understanding of key external organisations and their role in delivering the employment and skills agenda.

2. Good working knowledge of local and national skills and employment policy, funding streams, associated reporting and the benefits of outcomes-related funding models.

3. Experience and practical knowledge of project management and project control techniques relevant to grant funded and outcome-related funding models, including financial analysis, project planning and appraisal, financing and risk management and evaluation.

About the organisation

The Liverpool City Region is world-famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world-leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year.

The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation-led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no-one is left behind.

Staff benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non-job-related learning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all candidates who met the essential criteria in the job description and who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under-represented by people from these communities.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We actively promote diversity and inclusion. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa