Account Manager - Upper South

Skills Group Employment (SGE) is looking for a proactive and commercially minded Account Manager to join our Christchurch team.

This is a people-focused role combining business development, account management, and apprentice support. You'll build and grow relationships with host employers, identify new placement opportunities, and act as a trusted advisor to businesses and apprentices throughout the employment journey.

We're looking for someone who enjoys getting out and building relationships, spotting commercial opportunities, and developing trusted partnerships. You'll also play an important role in supporting apprentice wellbeing, development, and successful employment outcomes.

What you'll be doing

• Identify and develop new host employer opportunities to grow SGE's network and apprentice placement capacity.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing host employers, understanding their workforce needs and providing tailored solutions.

• Provide ongoing mentorship and pastoral support to apprentices through regular check-ins and site visits.

• Manage employment matters including performance, conduct, conflict resolution, and other workplace issues.

• Work collaboratively across Skills Group to coordinate placements, training support, host satisfaction, and successful employment outcomes.

• Represent SGE at industry events and contribute to continuous improvement, commercial growth, and new ways of working.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in business development, account management, or stakeholder engagement.

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the confidence to influence, negotiate, and develop trusted partnerships.

• Commercial acumen and a proactive approach to identifying and developing new business opportunities.

• Experience supporting people through mentoring, pastoral care, employment relations, or similar people-focused responsibilities.

• Knowledge of employment legislation and health and safety requirements.

• An understanding of apprenticeships or vocational education, with the adaptability and resilience to work effectively in a changing environment.

• Trade qualified in the electrical field – beneficial but not essential

Why join Skills Group?

At Skills Group, our purpose is to maximise human potential. For more than 30 years, we've partnered with learners, employers, and industry to build a skilled workforce across New Zealand. You'll join a collaborative organisation where you can build meaningful industry relationships, create opportunities for apprentices, and contribute directly to the growth of New Zealand's skilled workforce.

Benefits that back you

• Health & wellbeing: Fully subsidised Southern Cross medical insurance, TELUS Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and annual flu vaccinations.

• Flexible work & leave: Flexible working arrangements, birthday leave, extended bereavement leave, and long service leave.

• Financial benefits: 3.5% KiwiSaver contribution, 2% SuperLife contribution, and a $500 employee referral bonus.

• Learning & development: Weekly paid learning time (Love Yr Skills), LinkedIn Learning access, and in-house workshops.

If you're a confident relationship builder who enjoys creating opportunities, supporting people, and contributing to commercial growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help create successful partnerships between apprentices and employers across Christchurch.