Alternative Provision School Partnerships Consultant

About the role

The role is to secure funded school and commissioner placements for POFAS, a vocational Alternative Provision centre in Slough, ahead of its planned January 2027 learner opening. You will market a fully defined provision, building a high‑quality commissioning pipeline and converting opportunities into funded learner placements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute an acquisition strategy targeting schools, academy trusts and local authorities in Slough, Berkshire and surrounding areas.
• Identify and record decision‑makers such as SENCOs, Inclusion Leads, Alternative Provision Leads and procurement contacts.
• Build and maintain a qualified commissioner lead database and prioritise those whose learner needs match the POFAS offer.
• Make structured introductions via email, telephone and professional channels, arrange meetings and deliver presentations on the POFAS learner offer.
• Support due‑diligence, onboarding and approved‑provider applications, and prepare placement proposals and quotations.
• Maintain a live pipeline tracking lead source, contact activity, meeting status and proposal outcomes, and provide regular written reports.

Required profile

• Proven experience in Alternative Provision commissioning or education business development.
• Knowledge of school, academy‑trust or local‑authority procurement processes, especially within SEND or inclusion contexts.
• Existing professional relationships with schools, academy trusts, SENCOs, Inclusion Leads or local‑authority commissioners is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to convert school relationships into funded placements or contracts.
• Understanding of AP due‑diligence, safeguarding expectations, SEND requirements and commissioner reporting.

What we offer

• Consultancy retainer agreed with the client.
• Performance‑linked payment structure tied to agreed outcomes.