Placements and Work-Based Learning Manager

Birmingham City University is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution, committed to providing our students with exceptional opportunities to excel academically and professionally. As part of our long-term vision outlined in the University 2030 Strategy, we are striving to create a pipeline of talent that drives success and innovation.

The Careers and Employability Directorate are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Placements and Work-Based Learning Manager to lead, manage and develop our placement and work-based learning offer for students.

The Role

This is an important role contributing to “Talent for Tomorrow” a designated pillar within the university’s 2030 strategy. You will lead the planning, implementation and enhancement of our non-clinical placements and work-based learning framework, enabling our students to engage in high-quality placement opportunities. You will work closely with academics, and colleagues in Careers and professional services teams to raise the profile of placements and work-based learning, developing initiatives and strategies to increase take up of both year-long professional placements, placements within modules and extra-curricular Microplacements.

You will manage a small, dedicated team responsible for due diligence, Health and Safety compliance, and placement administration, ensuring our processes meet regulatory standards and sector best practices. Working collaboratively across academic and professional services teams, your leadership will directly contribute to preparing students for the workplace and enabling their long-term success.

You will be joining a supportive and encouraging Careers management team and service, who have a real passion and desire to improve student outcomes and progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and embed a strategic, university-wide approach to non-clinical placements and work-based learning.
• Promote a culture of engagement with professional placements, including modules, placement years, micro-placements and other initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic and careers teams ensuring students receive robust advice and support in sourcing and securing placements.
• Lead the review and improvement of placement processes, ensuring consistent Health & Safety and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the provision of on-placement support and act as a key problem-solver for student and provider concerns.
• Manage data accuracy within CRM systems and deliver regular reports to stakeholders.
• Line manage the Work-Based Learning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, acting as a confident communicator and influencer at all levels across and beyond the University.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A degree or equivalent substantial experience in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in placements, work-based learning, or graduate recruitment.
• A proven ability to develop, deliver, and oversee high-quality placement processes.
• Strong understanding of employability, work readiness, and student support.
• Experience of managing teams in a customer-focused environment and leading change.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and influencing skills.
• Confidence in using IT systems and analysing data to inform improvements.
• First-class organisational skills and an eye for detail under pressure.
• The ability to deliver impactful training and engage diverse audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to drive service delivery forward.

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a forward-thinking and values-driven institution committed to enhancing student employability. This role offers the opportunity to shape future career outcomes for thousands of students and to play a key role in delivering an ambitious university-wide strategy.

Please click the below link to download the Job Description: Job Description

Apply Before: 03/09/2025, 23:59