Industry Based Learning Manager

ARA; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tertiary education provider in Canterbury seeks an Industry-Based Learning Manager to spearhead the development of their Industry-Based Learning function. The role involves establishing strong employer partnerships, ensuring quality education experiences for learners, and leading significant organizational changes within the institution. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in employer engagement, strategic business growth, and a strong focus on equity and inclusion. This position is pivotal in enhancing vocational training and creating pathways for student success.

Qualifications

• Strong existing relationships within the vocational education network.
• Capability to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Experience supporting equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Industry-Based Learning function.
• Develop and sustain relationships with employers.
• Ensure high-quality experiences for learners and employers.

Skills

Employer engagement

Business growth

Organizational change management

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Education

Tertiary qualification in professional expertise

Tertiary qualification in management discipline

Job description

• Work for a progressive world class tertiary education provider.
• Work collaboratively and build long lasting relationships with industry partners.
• Drive forward Ara’s Industry-Based Learning function to become Canterbury’s premier provider.

Ara is committed to building on its legacy as Canterbury’s longest-serving provider of work-ready apprentices. We are charting a new course to ensure access to contemporary, high-quality, regionally based vocational training for the future.

In this role, you will lead the implementation of a new Industry-Based Learning function, establishing Ara as Canterbury’s market leader.

The Industry-Based Learning Manager will:

Be at the forefront of vocational education, Ara Institute of Canterbury is committed to setting benchmarks for academic leadership and innovation. Industry-based learning at Ara plays a critical role in connecting education to employment. This role leads the design, development and growth of Ara’s Industry-Based Learning (IBL) function, ensuring strong employer partnerships, outstanding learner experiences, and high-quality operational delivery at scale.

The Industry-Based Learning Manager is responsible for establishing and leading Ara’s industry-based learning function. This includes:

• Developing an Industry-Based Learning Strategy to underpin the direction of travel, the required changes, approach and performance expectations of the new Industry-Based Learning function
• Leading significant organisational change to create the conditions required for the establishment of a new industry-based learning function
• Developing and sustaining high-value relationships with employers, industry bodies, and iwi partners
• Scaling work-based and employer-led learning models
• Establishing, leading and developing a team of Training Advisors
• Collaborating with delivery functions within Ara to ensure that they can best respond to the needs of the business, industry, employers and learners/apprentices
• Ensuring a high-quality experience for learners and employers
• Embedding operational excellence in delivery systems, processes, and reporting
• Supporting equity, access, and Māori learner success in industry-connected education.

This role is a key influencer across the institution and plays a central role in Ara’s workforce development agenda.

• Proven experience in employer engagement or partnership management
• Proven experience growing a business and winning market shares
• Capability in effectively managing organisational change
• Leadership experience in education, training, or industry-linked services
• Experience leading teams in dynamic environments
• Strong stakeholder management capability
• Financial, budget management and operational planning skills
• Ability to influence across organisational boundaries while working collaboratively and promoting collaboration
• Digital confidence and systems literacy
• Experience supporting equity and inclusion

Preference will be given to candidates who can also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Strong existing relationships and connections into industry and the vocational education network
• A tertiary qualification in area of professional expertise (e.g. Advanced Trade Certificate, bachelor’s degree etc)
• A tertiary qualification in a management discipline or actively progressing to achieving such a qualification
• Post-Graduate level qualification/s in area of professional expertise (where relevant to the profession)
• Current registration, license or practicing certificate in area of professional expertise (where relevant to the profession)
• Extensive experience in relevant industry profession

Ara Institute of Canterbury is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute providing world-class, tertiary-level education throughout the Canterbury and Waitaki region. Our talented employees, innovative business collaborators and supportive community partners are passionate about the role they play in our learners' success.

Ara is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and delivering services in a manner that responds with excellence to the needs of Māori learners and their whānau , as well as the aspirations of iwi and Māori communities throughout our catchment (including Māori employers). To deliver effectively on this commitment, Ara recognises the need for a culturally competent and confident workforce vertically and horizontally across our organisation.

We accept applications via our online application system.

Reference # 21613

Posted on 18 Dec 2025

Closes on 18 Jan 2026 23:55

Location(s) Central Christchurch

Expertise Academic, Business / Corporate , Project Management