The Relationship and Development Manager (RDM) will be responsible for leading the cultivation of local authority partnerships to maximize service, satisfaction, growth and participant retention. We are looking for someone who is able to persuade and influence others, challenge decisions when relevant, is able to listen, and advise on programme-related issues. This role requires someone who is enthusiastic about working to maintain, and where relevant, improve the satisfaction of our participants and local authority partners.

Local authorities play a critical role in the Frontline programme. Our participants spend a year with them learning how to apply their academic learning to children and families in need for whom the local authority is responsible. They are based in the local authority’s children’s service, working alongside qualified social work teams. After the first year they qualify as a social worker and become an employee of the local authority, which in turn continues to support their development.

Local authorities’ children’s services are complex organisations facing a range of challenges and pressures. We need to work closely with them so that they can provide the best learning experience for our participants, but also so that they can benefit in terms of their own service and practice development as a result of their partnership with Frontline.

The RDM is responsible for managing, coordinating and developing all aspects of the relationship with local authorities, at all levels. This is a highly responsible role and will have a direct impact on the quality of programme implementation. As well as ensuring planned elements of the programme are delivered, it involves responding to new and unexpected issues, as well as identifying areas for improvement and leading on change. It provides the opportunity to create effective relationships at all organisational levels, and to apply and further develop high level communication skills at both 1:1 and wider group level. There is a focus on building direct human relationships, with post-holders spending time on-site with their local authorities to achieve shared goals.

This role is a 9 months fixed-term contract (maternity cover).