Placement Officer

Initial 3 month Contract with view to extension for the right candidate | Immediate Start | GalwayWe are seeking an Employer Engagement & Work-Based Learning Officer on behalf of our client, higher education institution based in Galway that places a strong emphasis on employability, applied learning, and close collaboration with industry across Business, Finance, and IT-focused programmes.They work extensively with employers at regional, national, and international level to deliver structured internships and work-based learning opportunities that meet academic and professional standards.Role OverviewOur client is looking to appoint an Employer Engagement & Work-Based Learning Officer to support the coordination and delivery of student internships and placement programmes.This is a hands-on delivery role with responsibility for developing placement opportunities, managing employer relationships, and supporting students through every stage of the placement journey. The role involves close collaboration with academic teams and requires someone who is commercially minded, highly organised, and comfortable operating in a target-led, stakeholder-rich environment.Key ResponsibilitiesEmployer Engagement & Placement DevelopmentIdentify, source and coordinate high-quality internships and work-based learning opportunities that align with academic criteria, student requirements, employer needs and institutional goalsProactively grow and maintain an employer contact database through innovative engagement strategiesKeep informed of current and emerging trends in internships, graduate recruitment and development practices across SMEs and large organisationsMaintain and strengthen existing employer partnerships while continuously identifying new placement opportunitiesPlacement Coordination & Student SupportOversee placement processes in partnership with Programme Directors, Course Co-ordinators and the Postgraduate Internship DirectorProvide structured support to students before placement commencement, throughout the placement period, and on completionCollaborate with academic colleagues to develop and deliver placement preparation initiatives, including:Individual student guidancePlacement readiness and preparationApplication and selection processesWorkplace effectiveness and reflective learningInclusive Placement SupportWork closely with the Disability Support Office to support students with disabilities undertaking placementsPrepare Placement Planning Reports detailing reasonable accommodations where applicableGovernance, Reporting & ComplianceEnsure all placement activity aligns with Work-Based Learning policies and proceduresContribute to the ongoing review and development of placement-related processes and policiesManage compliance requirements for overseas placements, including insurance, visas, work permits and relevant documentationTrack progress against monthly delivery targets and prepare associated reportsGather, analyse and report on feedback and data from employer and student surveysMarketing & External RepresentationSupport the promotion and visibility of placement programmes and opportunitiesRepresent the institution at employer and student engagement events such as graduate fairs, company launches, seminars and open daysEssential RequirementsA primary degree (Level 8 or equivalent), preferably in Business or ITAt least three years’ recent and relevant experience in one of the following:Recruitment (agency or in-house), including business development/client sourcing and end-to-end candidate management, orEmployer engagement, partnership management or placement-focused roles, with exposure to Finance and/or IT sectorsDemonstrated ability to:Build and maintain effective working relationships with employers, students and academic stakeholdersWork autonomously while contributing effectively within a team environmentDeliver workshops, presentations or structured group sessionsStrong communication, influencing and presentation skillsExcellent organisational and project coordination capabilityProven experience delivering against targets in a competitive or results-driven environmentWorking knowledge of:Higher education structures and environmentsWork-based learning and placement modelsStrong analytical and report-writing skillsHigh level of ICT competence, including the effective use of social media for engagement and outreachDesirable RequirementsPostgraduate qualificationPrevious experience supporting placements or employer engagement within education or a related sectorStrong problem-solving capability with a logical, analytical and decisive approach