About East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)

East Midlands Combined County Authority is a newly established body driving inclusive economic growth, skills development, and employment outcomes across the East Midlands region. Working at the intersection of local government, skills policy, health, and economic development, EMCCA collaborates with a wide range of partners—including training providers, employers, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community organisations—to ensure that public investment translates into real opportunities for residents. Our mission is to create a more connected, prosperous, and healthy East Midlands, and we rely on talented people to make that vision a reality.

The Role

We are seeking a Relationship Manager – Skills and Employment to act as the central point of engagement between EMCCA and its delivery partners. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with providers and stakeholders involved in skills, employment, and health programmes across the region. You will drive performance, support collaboration, and help ensure that commissioned programmes deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for residents.

This is a strategic yet hands-on position. You will work closely with the Skills and Employment team to monitor provider performance, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate solutions that keep programmes on track. You will also play a key role in contract management, ensuring that delivery partners meet their obligations and that public funds are used effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with a diverse range of delivery partners, including training providers, colleges, local authorities, NHS bodies, and voluntary sector organisations.
Act as the primary relationship lead for assigned providers, serving as the go-to point of contact for performance, delivery, and contractual matters.
Monitor and analyse provider performance data against agreed KPIs and contract targets, identifying risks early and working with partners to implement corrective action plans.
Conduct regular performance review meetings with delivery partners, documenting outcomes and following up on agreed actions to ensure continuous improvement.
Support the commissioning and contract management process, including contributing to the development of service specifications, tender evaluations, and contract variations.
Facilitate cross-organisational collaboration, connecting partners with complementary objectives to maximise impact and avoid duplication of effort.
Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for internal governance boards, elected members, and regional stakeholders on programme performance and partnership health.
Work closely with colleagues across EMCCA—including skills policy, economic development, and health integration teams—to ensure a joined-up approach to resident outcomes.
Represent EMCCA at regional and local events, forums, and network meetings, promoting the authority's programmes and priorities.
Contribute to the development of EMCCA's wider skills and employment strategy, drawing on frontline intelligence from provider relationships to inform policy and commissioning decisions.

About You

We are looking for someone who thrives on building relationships and can confidently influence, challenge, and collaborate with a wide range of partners to achieve results. You will have experience in stakeholder or relationship management, ideally within the context of employability, skills, health, or public sector programmes.

You are comfortable interpreting performance data, managing contractual processes, and having honest conversations with partners when delivery falls short. You bring a solutions-oriented mindset and can navigate the complexities of multi-partner delivery environments with diplomacy and professionalism.

Essential Skills and Experience

Demonstrable experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, or contract management within a public sector, skills, employability, or health context.
Strong understanding of the skills and employment landscape in England, including familiarity with devolved employment funding, Adult Education Budget (AEB), and related programmes.
Proven ability to manage provider performance, including setting KPIs, conducting performance reviews, and implementing improvement plans.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence at all levels—from frontline delivery staff to senior executives and elected members.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret performance data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience of contract management, including monitoring compliance, managing variations, and ensuring value for money in publicly funded programmes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams) and experience using CRM or case management systems such as Salesforce, Dynamics 365, or similar platforms.
Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

Experience working within or alongside a combined authority, local authority, or Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Familiarity with public sector procurement and commissioning frameworks.
Knowledge of health integration agendas and the links between employment, skills, and health outcomes.
Experience using data visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau to present performance insights.
A relevant degree or professional qualification in public policy, business administration, or a related discipline—though we value experience equally.

What We Offer

Salary: £39,152 – £44,075 per annum, depending on experience.
Contract: Full-time, permanent position.
Location: East Midlands, with a base at our Chesterfield office. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with a requirement for regular office attendance and travel across the region.
Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK.
Annual Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
Professional Development: We are committed to your growth. You will have access to training, conferences, and development opportunities to support your career progression.
Purpose-Driven Work: This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents across the East Midlands, shaping the future of skills, employment, and health integration in the region.

Work Environment and Culture

EMCCA is a new and ambitious organisation, which means you will have the opportunity to help shape our culture from the ground up. We value collaboration, integrity, and a relentless focus on outcomes for residents. Our team is passionate, supportive, and committed to doing things differently to achieve better results. You will work alongside talented colleagues from diverse backgrounds in local government, policy, and delivery, all united by a shared purpose.

We believe in flexible, modern working practices. While this role requires regular engagement with partners across the East Midlands, we support hybrid working and are committed to helping our people achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Career Growth

As EMCCA grows, so will the opportunities for our people. This role sits at the heart of our skills and employment function, giving you exposure to strategic decision-making, regional governance, and high-profile programmes. For the right person, there is a clear pathway to senior relationship management, commissioning, or policy leadership roles within the authority.

How to Apply and Next Steps

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating how your experience and skills meet the requirements outlined above. Applications should be submitted through our online portal at devkarriere.com.

Closing Date: 29 June 2026

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a two-stage interview process, including a values-based interview and a practical scenario exercise. If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our People team.

We look forward to hearing from you.