Referrals & Partnership Manager

Job Purpose Responsible for developing relationships with local authorities, commissioning teams, placement teams, youth justice services, SEND teams, and other key stakeholders. The role will be the first point of contact for incoming referrals, gathering key information, undertaking initial triage, and coordinating referrals through to the appropriate internal teams for assessment and progression. Alongside managing referral activity, the role will proactively identify business development opportunities, support framework and tender submissions, arrange meetings with senior decision-makers, and ensure Arborvitae remains visible within the social care sector. Role Specific Competencies and Responsibilities

Referral Management & Co-ordination

Act as the first point of contact for incoming referrals and placement enquiries.Gather and record referral information accurately and efficiently.Undertake initial referral triage and coordinate handovers to the relevant operational teams.Maintain accurate referral records, reports, and outcomes.Coordinate the back-end stages of referrals, ensuring a smooth journey from enquiry to placement. Business Development & Partnerships

Develop and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, commissioning teams, placement teams, and partner agencies.Proactively engage with commissioners, SEND teams, youth justice services, emergency duty teams, and other stakeholders.Introduce Arborvitae's services to prospective commissioners and referral partners.Generate opportunities for service growth across all business areas.Arrange meetings, presentations, and service overviews between decision-makers and senior management. Tender & Framework Development

Monitor tender portals and procurement opportunities.Identify relevant framework agreements and commissioning opportunities.Support the preparation and submission of framework applications and tenders.Work collaboratively with senior leaders to develop high-quality submissions.Maintain a calendar of procurement opportunities and renewal dates. Service Promotion Promote and develop referral opportunities across all Arborvitae and ACS services, including:

Children's Residential HomesSecure Transport ServicesAccredited training including PMVA/Admin of Medication/EFAW/Safeguarding Supply of high-quality agency staff through our employment agency Pipeline Management & Market Intelligence

Maintain a live pipeline of prospects, referrals, opportunities, and key contacts.Ensure consistent follow-up and relationship management activity.Track commissioner priorities and emerging market trends.Gather competitive and commissioning intelligence to support growth planning.Produce regular activity and performance updates for senior leadership. Person Specification:

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. (E)Confident and professional telephone manner. (E)Strong organisational and time management abilities. (E)Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently. (E)Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and decision-makers. (E)Strong attention to detail and administrative skills. (E)Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. (E)Positive, resilient, and target-focused approach. (E)An understanding of social care referral pathways and placement processes. (D)Knowledge of local authority commissioning processes. (D)Awareness of the children's social care landscape. (D)Knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks. (D)