Location: Perth
Type: Full-time
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) is expanding, and we are seeking an experienced Industry Partnerships Manager to lead our national employer engagement strategy and strengthen our internship and graduate employment ecosystem across Australia.
This senior role is central to connecting NIT students and graduates with real opportunities in ICT, Engineering, Construction and Business, while shaping strong partnerships that support program accreditation and long-term institutional growth.
About the role
The Industry Partnerships Manager will:
* Build and manage partnerships with employers in Engineering, Construction and ICT sectors.
* Create a steady, and sustainable pipeline of internships and graduate roles for NIT students and alumni.
* Lead, coach and mentor a team of 5 Internship Placement Coordinators (Perth, Melbourne, Darwin) plus internship support assistants.
* Provide strategic oversight of end-to-end placement operations, oversee end-to-end placement processes, from employer engagement through to student matching and outcome tracking - ensuring quality, compliance and strong outcomes.
* Represent NIT with industry bodies and accreditation organisations, such as ACS, Engineers Australia, and other regulatory stakeholders.
* Drive business development initiatives to grow NIT's employer network and national footprint.
* Work closely with academic and student support teams to ensure placements meet learning and compliance requirements.
* Represent NIT at industry events, networking functions and stakeholder meetings.
This role is based in Perth and will involve regular collaboration with our teams in Melbourne and Darwin, and occasional interstate travel.
Key responsibilities
* Identify, target and secure new industry partners in Engineering, Construction and ICT.
* Grow, manage and retain key employer accounts with a long-term, relationship-focused approach.
* Plan and direct a national internship and employment pipeline, using data to forecast needs and track performance.
* Lead, coach and develop the Internship Placement team to meet clear KPIs and targets.
* Monitor placement quality, employer and student satisfaction, and internship-to-employment conversion.
* Ensure all placements meet relevant WHS, insurance, accreditation and regulatory requirements.
* Use data and CRM/placement systems to track performance and provide regular reports.
* Represent NIT in high-level stakeholder conversations, accreditation reviews and external partnerships.
About you
You are an influential communicator, confident relationship builder and effective team leader with the ability to engage employers from HR managers to C-suite executives.
We're looking for:
* Experience in industry engagement, industry partnerships, employment recruitment or a similar role
* Strong understanding of at least one of: ICT, Engineering, Construction and Business sectors
* Proven experience leading a small team and achieving targets
* Demonstrated success in building and managing employer/client relationships
* Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills
* Strong organisational skills and experience working with CRMs or placement systems.
Desirable:
* Experience in higher education, VET, or international education
* Knowledge of Australian labour market trends and entry-level career pathways
* Familiarity with internship/work placement programs and related compliance.
What we offer
* Opportunity to shape NIT's national industry partnerships strategy
* Leadership role with clear impact on student and graduate outcomes
* Collaborative, student-focused culture
* Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience)
* Professional development and growth as NIT continue to expand.