Group Relationship Manager

We are looking for a Group Relationship Manager to create and nurture long-term relationships with Local Authorities and key stakeholders. You will lead on developing and maintaining professional partnerships with key stakeholders including Local authority SEND teams, educational psychologists, therapists, local schools and potential parents. You will also contribute to the growth strategy of the organisation by exploring areas of needs and services and make relevant proposals for business growth and / or additional revenue streams.

To assist and contribute to the business development, sales and marketing functions within the Group, with the overriding aim of assisting senior management to increase the business performance of the schools, as well as increasing the business activity level and revenue. You will work with our Group Admissions Manager and contribute to the referral, assessment, admissions processes to maximise school occupancy.

This post holder will work closely with the Group Admissions Manager and Headteachers of our schools.

This role requires strong communication skills and an ability to understand client needs whilst being able to think of creative solutions to issues. Odyssey House School is an exciting special school setting, aiming to provide the highest quality education to students with special educational needs. The school caters for a range of special education needs, primarily high-functioning autism, anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). All students will be able to follow a differentiated National Curriculum, with the aim of achieving a range of recognised qualifications at Key Stage 4 and 5 including Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day to day sales and marketing and provide reports on contacts being made and service development.
• Achieving key performance indicators based on contract monitoring, compliance, lead generation and increased referrals and admissions. Identify and develop plans to attract new clients
• Develop an excellent knowledge and understanding of the services within the Group and present to stakeholders to increase business opportunities.
• To be the liaison with local authority purchasing and commissioning teams across the LA’s in and around the Home Counties and London concerning the contracting of placements at Odyssey.
• To work with potential local authority purchasers, identify potential contract portfolio, provide service specifications, prices, and contract formats and complete contracts to point of delivery.
• To work with internal teams of managers to assure that the service specifications are available, accessible and high quality with performance monitored standards.
• To lead on compliance of contractual agreements with measureable KPIs that are reported weekly to the executive team.
• To identify customers’ needs to allow the Group to be flexible in the services delivered and to continually update market intelligence to allow the organisation to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing climate.
• Research and plan business development activities to achieve positive outcomes, education targets and meet the objectives of Odyssey.
• Research external events, establish a data base of relevant conferences and identify priority attendance to obtain contacts, establish new business opportunities and promote a positive reputation for Odyssey and all the services delivered.
• Provide data for potential purchasers on packages available or contract status.
• To provide accurate management information to external and internal customers.
• To keep abreast of social care and educational policy that could influence business demand and opportunity
• To ensure that business planning reflects best practice in equality and diversity and deliver services accessible and appropriate to client needs.
• To maintain effective communication with all key stakeholders both internal and external.
• To attend training and staff development courses as required by the organisation.
• Schedule regular meetings with clients to ensure a strong relationship and concerns are addressed at an early intervention point
• Assist with promoting the schools and the Group within local authorities and further afield
• Analyse competition to understand and evaluate Odyssey’s positioning and offer in the sector
• Work closely with the Group Admissions Manager to understand the pipeline and support for increased LA consultations and successful conversions
• Work with social media and marketing functions to promote the Group’s activities and successes
• Conduct regular client satisfaction surveys to understand how to improve client satisfaction
• Continually reflect on the marketing strategy as the business grows and evolves
• Track and monitor the client relationship success
• Any other duties as reasonably requested by the line manager or senior leadership team

Safeguarding

Odyssey House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young People. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including employment references and DBS checks.

Our aspiration at Odyssey Education Group is for our employees to continually reflect the diversity of our people which we believe is fundamental in helping our pupils be nurtured through their education journey. Odyssey Education Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No job applicant will be discriminated against because of race, religion, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The successful candidate will:

• Truly believe in the Odyssey House values and mission, and passionately contribute to the school’s ethos and development.
• Be able to offer support and deliver practiced techniques to assist in support students when they are dysregulated.
• Work alongside Teaching and Support colleagues to ensure a productive and supportive learning journey through all stages of the school.
• Have an interest and a passion for working with students with special educational needs.
• Have the ability to form positive and trusting relationships with students based on consistency, firm boundaries and making learning exciting and challenging.
• Contribute to all aspects of the school, including the student’s personal development. For example, running school clubs or supporting on school trips.
• Have a professional attitude that is open to learning, innovative ways of working, accepting of change and school development, flexible and adaptable when faced with challenges and problems.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Level 4 GCSE Maths & English with additional qualifications in a relevant field
• Proven educational experience
• Strong desire to work in a specialist setting
• Excellent communication skills
• Have basic knowledge of Autism (please note that training will be provided)
• Full UK driving licence (desirable)

Odyssey House will offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Supportive, passionate and friendly environment.
• A strong sense of staff well-being and school spirit, supported by excellent facilities.
• Specialist training and support enabling you to thrive in our specialist setting.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Various award schemes.