Partnerships Manager (m/f/d) - Professional and Vocational Training

Company Description About EIT RawMaterials As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources, and this is where EIT RawMaterials steps in. EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials. About the European Raw Materials and Advanced Materials Academies The European Raw Materials Academy, funded by the European Commission, supports upskilling and reskilling across Europe’s raw materials sector — from exploration and processing to recycling and circularity. It addresses key skill gaps in the industry, driven by sustainability, digitalisation, and industrial transformation, by offering future-oriented learning programs aligned with EU priorities such as the Critical Raw Materials Act. The European Advanced Materials Academy, funded by the European Commission, aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in advanced materials through targeted upskilling and reskilling. It focuses on the design, development, and application of advanced materials across industries, education systems, and research, providing innovative learning programs that align with EU strategies. The Role We are seeking an experienced Partnerships Manager (m/f/d) to lead the development and management of the partner and trainer networks within the EU Raw Materials Academy and EU Advanced Materials Academy. This role will be central to expanding the Academy’s network of education and training providers, ensuring high-quality collaborations, and maximising the reach and impact of our professional, vocational, and student-oriented training portfolio. As a key contributor to the Work Package (5): Partner Network — and a key contributor to WP7 (Commercialisation) and WP6 (Communications, Marketing, and Synergies with EU Initiatives) — you will be responsible for building, maintaining, and optimising strategic relationships that drive course creation, learner participation, and sustainable growth across Europe. This role requires a relationship-driven professional who excels in stakeholder engagement, partnership negotiation, and strategic network management. While expertise in raw materials, advanced materials or sustainability is an advantage, the ideal candidate will bring proven experience working with training providers, education networks, or professional learning ecosystems in Europe. What You’ll Do Build and Manage the Partner Network Develop and oversee the Academy’s network of professional, vocational and student-oriented training providers, ensuring partnerships contribute effectively to course and learner KPIs. Lead the identification, onboarding, and engagement of new partners, and maintain long-term, productive relationships with existing ones. Strategic Mapping and Partnership Development Conduct strategic mapping and prioritisation of potential partners across Europe, identifying that best align with the Academy’s mission and focus areas. Negotiate and formalise partnership agreements, ensuring mutual value creation and compliance with institutional requirements. Partner Engagement and Performance Ensure partners fulfil their commitments — including course delivery, learner reporting, and quality standards — while supporting them to bring their courses online through the Academy platform. Provide partners with guidance, feedback, and support to optimise their impact and participation across different learner profiles. Network Activation and Communications Collaborate with the communications and marketing teams (WP6) to engage the partner and trainer network through events, newsletters, and recognition activities. Represent the Academy at industry and education forums, fostering visibility and community across the network. Collaboration with Commercialisation and Quality Teams Work closely with the commercialisation (WP7) and quality (WP3) leads to ensure that new and existing partners align with the Academy’s standards for program quality, learner outcomes, and market positioning. Contribute to strategic initiatives that drive sustainable growth through the partner network. Impact-Driven Leadership Monitor, evaluate, and report on partner engagement and network performance metrics. Champion a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement to ensure the Academy’s partnerships deliver measurable educational and societal impact. What We’re Looking For A relationship-focused professional with proven experience in partnership development, stakeholder management, or network coordination within education, training, or professional development contexts. Strong experience in building and maintaining relationships with institutional, industry, or education partners across Europe. Familiarity with professional and vocational training systems, education institutions (e.g., universities, technical schools), online learning platforms, or European skills initiatives. Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills, with a diplomatic and solutions-oriented approach. Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships and deliverables simultaneously. Experience in partnership onboarding, contracting, and performance monitoring processes. Understanding of commercialisation, marketing, or outreach strategies within the education or workforce development space is an asset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages are a strong advantage. Why You’ll Love It Here Shape the Network: Build Europe’s most dynamic ecosystem of training providers and trainers in raw and advanced materials. Meaningful Impact: Help expand access to professional and vocational education that supports Europe’s green and digital transition. Collaborative Culture: Work across multiple Academy work packages, connecting with teams in quality, commercialisation, and communications. Remote Flexibility: Work from anywhere in Europe while engaging with partners across the continent. Career Growth: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where your relationships drive real-world change in education and innovation. This is a full-time, remote position open to candidates located anywhere within the EU. Duration: 2025–2027/2028 (with potential extension). Our Recruitment Process The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and recruitment team. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and HR. Offer: If successful, receive an offer to join our team. Ready to shape the future with us? Apply now.