Partnerships and Referrals Manager

Northridge Care Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated care organization in the UK is seeking a Partnership & Referrals Manager to lead strategic referrals and partnerships. This high-impact role involves building relationships with Local Authority teams, generating new enquiries, and managing effective placements. Ideal candidates will have strong networking skills and a background in children's care or education. You will enjoy enhanced leave, a senior role, and the chance to shape new educational services.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave

Influential role

Opportunity to shape new provisions

Qualifications

• Proven experience in referrals, commissioning, partnerships or business development.
• Confidence, credibility and presence when engaging senior stakeholders.
• Strong networking, influencing and public-speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Be the strategic lead for referrals and partnerships across Northridge Care Group.
• Build strong relationships with Local Authority teams.
• Proactively generate new enquiries and manage referrals.

Skills

Relationship-building

Networking

Influencing

Public-speaking

Commercial mindset

Job description

Northridge Care Group provides high-quality, trauma-informed care and support for children and young people with complex needs. Through our residential homes and expanding education provision, we work in close partnership with Local Authorities to deliver safe, nurturing and outcome-focused placements that put children at the heart of everything we do. As our organisation grows, we remain committed to creating stable, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Northridge Care Group is entering an exciting phase of growth and we’re looking for an ambitious Partnership & Referrals Manager to help lead it.

This is a high-impact, outward facing role for someone who thrives on relationships, opportunity spotting and making things happen. Initially focused on our established residential services, the role will play a key part in launching and filling new education provision as we open schools over the next 12 months.

What you’ll do

• Be the strategic lead for referrals and partnerships across Northridge Care Group
• Build strong, trusted relationships with Local Authority SEN, Commissioning and Placement Teams across the UK
• Proactively generate new enquiries, manage referrals and ensure placements are matched effectively
• Represent Northridge at networking events, meetings, open days and conferences
• Use market intelligence, data and insight to drive growth, influence strategy and keep us ahead
• Work closely with senior leaders to negotiate placements, fees and bespoke support packages
• Lead and develop the referrals function, ensuring high quality, compliant and responsive processes

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be a confident relationship-builder with experience in children’s residential care, education or related services, who understands how Local Authorities work and how placements are commissioned.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in referrals, commissioning, partnerships or business development
• Confidence, credibility and presence when engaging senior stakeholders
• Strong networking, influencing and public-speaking skills
• A proactive, commercial mindset with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people
• The ability to work strategically while staying hands-on and delivery-focused

Why join Northridge?

• Enhanced annual leave also increasing with service
• A senior, visible role with real influence and autonomy
• The opportunity to shape new education provision from the ground up
• A values-driven organisation where relationships and quality truly matter
• A chance to make a lasting difference while building something meaningful

If you’re ready to champion our services, grow our partnerships and help shape the future of Northridge Care Group, we’d love to hear from you.