Employer Partnership - Pune

Position: Employer Connect Lead

About Wadhwani Foundation

Wadhwani Foundation is a global not-for-profit focused on accelerating economic development in emerging economies through high-value job creation. Founded by Dr. Romesh Wadhwani in 2000, the Foundation works across 25 countries through initiatives in entrepreneurship, innovation, and skilling.

Role Overview

The Employer Connect Lead will drive employer partnerships to enable job creation outcomes for the Wadhwani Opportunity (WGO) programs. The role involves understanding evolving job market trends, building strong employer networks across key sectors, and leveraging these partnerships to support training, placements, and career growth opportunities for learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze job market trends and identify high-demand roles and skills across regions and sectors.

• Build strategic partnerships with leading employers across priority sectors such as Retail, Healthcare, BFSI, ITES, Auto, Beauty & Wellness, and Hospitality .

• Collaborate with sector skill councils and industry bodies to strengthen employer engagement and program alignment.

• Establish and manage Industry Advisory Councils to provide industry insights and strengthen program relevance.

• Work with employer partners to co-create and validate training content, ensuring alignment with industry needs.

• Enable training, placement opportunities, and post-placement support for students through employer networks.

• Design and launch pilot initiatives with industry partners to validate and scale employer engagement models.

Drive placements for ITI and VTP students through employer networks and industry partnerships.

Skills & Experience

• 6-10 years of experience in business development or employer engagement , including 5–7 years in the staffing or talent ecosystem .

• Strong network with employers across sectors such as Retail, Healthcare, BFSI, ITES, Auto, Beauty & Wellness, and Hospitality.

• Strong communication, relationship building, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strategic thinker with ability to build and scale employer partnerships.

• Strong understanding of job market trends and evolving skill demands.

• Hands-on, solution-oriented approach with ability to work in dynamic environments.

• Familiarity with EdTech, skilling, or training ecosystems is preferred.

• Willingness to travel and engage closely with partners across regions.