Job Description

About Work Works Training Solutions

Established in 2015, Work Works Training Solutions is an accredited training centre specialising in employment-focused programmes for individuals facing socio-economic deprivation. We deliver wraparound support services for diverse client groups, including ex-offenders, NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), 50+ individuals, and young people at risk. With strong partnerships across London job centres and a proven track record of transforming lives through education, training and employment, we are positioned for the next phase of strategic growth and national expansion.

Role Overview

This is a pivotal strategic role focused on scaling Work Works Training Solutions to become a nationally recognised leader in the welfare to work sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with funders, commissioners, and government officials to secure substantial contracts and funding streams that enable rapid expansion. You will lead the organisation's bid writing function, develop strategic partnerships, identify new funding opportunities, and position Work Works at the forefront of employment training innovation.

The organisation has successfully delivered numerous projects and now seeks to establish diversified income streams and core funding arrangements that will support ambitious national expansion plans. This role is about unlocking the organisation's full potential and extending its reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Writing and Contract Development

Research, write and submit high-quality bids, tenders and funding applications for welfare to work programmes, DWP contracts, local authority commissioning opportunities, and grant funding Develop compelling narratives that articulate Work Works' unique selling points, including accredited training centre status and comprehensive wraparound service capabilities Prepare standard responses to common tender questions and maintain a library of case studies, outcomes data and evidence of impact Identify and pursue Corporate Social Responsibility funding opportunities and commercial training revenue streams to diversify income Target significant contract opportunities that enable organisational growth and expanded service delivery

Strategic Relationship Management

Build and maintain a strong network of funders, commissioners and decision-makers from social care, employment support and public sector backgrounds Develop relationships with local authorities, combined authorities, NHS commissioners and other bodies with access to public funding Act as liaison officer with government officials and DWP representatives to position Work Works for major contract opportunities Cultivate relationships with Members of Parliament and arrange strategic meetings at the House of Lords to raise Work Works' profile and influence policy discussions

Strategic Business Development

Identify gaps in provision within further education colleges and approach institutions to secure subcontracting or partnership funding arrangements Research and analyse competitor organisations and sector leaders to understand successful growth models and adopt best practices Think innovatively to identify new delivery models and funding streams that extend Work Works' reach nationally Develop strategic partnerships with organisations that complement and enhance Work Works' service offering

Organisational Growth and Capacity Development

Work closely with operational teams to understand the organisation's delivery capabilities, capacity and unique strengths Ensure bid commitments align with organisational capacity and support strategic growth objectives Contribute to strategic planning to position Work Works for rapid expansion Represent Work Works at sector events, conferences and networking forums to raise organisational profile

Public Profile and Advocacy

Elevate Work Works' profile as a sector leader through strategic communications and high-level engagement Arrange and coordinate meetings with influential stakeholders, including parliamentarians and senior civil servants Create opportunities for Work Works directors to engage with key decision-makers and strategic partners

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven track record of successfully winning substantial tenders and bids in the welfare to work, employment support or social care sectors Demonstrable experience of securing significant funding contracts Existing network of relationships with funders, commissioners and decision-makers from social care or employment support backgrounds Excellent written communication skills with ability to craft compelling, persuasive narratives Strong understanding of the UK welfare to work landscape, including DWP commissioning, Universal Credit system and payment-by-results models Strategic thinking ability with capacity to identify market opportunities and innovative approaches Ability to build and maintain relationships at senior levels, including with government officials and political stakeholders Self-motivated with entrepreneurial mindset and ability to drive ambitious business development initiatives Understanding of corporate social responsibility programmes and commercial training markets

Desirable Criteria

Experience of securing diversified funding portfolios including core funding and multiple contract types Knowledge of accredited training centre requirements and quality frameworks Experience working with client groups facing barriers to employment (ex-offenders, NEETs, 50+ individuals) Understanding of subcontracting models within further education and skills sector Experience of parliamentary engagement and advocacy work Existing relationships with London local authorities and job centres

What Success Looks Like

Within 12 months, the successful candidate will have:

Secured substantial new funding contracts that significantly increase organisational revenue and enable expansion Established diversified income streams including major contracts, core funding and commercial revenue Built a robust network of commissioner and funder relationships that generate ongoing opportunities Positioned Work Works as a recognised sector leader with enhanced profile among key decision-makers Created the foundation for national expansion and market leadership

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining:

Your track record in winning welfare to work or social care tenders (including contract values) Your existing network of funder and commissioner relationships Your approach to scaling organisations through strategic funding and partnerships Why you are interested in this opportunity with Work Works Training Solutions
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company car Profit sharing
Experience:

Business development: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person