Strategic Development Manager

Strategic Development Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Strategic Development Manager to play a key role in the growth and development of a thriving partner network within the Higher Education sector.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking, relationship management, market insight and business development to create long-term value. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of university partnerships, identifying opportunities for growth, strengthening strategic relationships and supporting the delivery of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Development

Develop and support the delivery of strategic partnership plans with key accounts.
Conduct sector research and market analysis to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities.
Translate insights and research into practical recommendations and growth initiatives.
Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with senior stakeholders across partner organisations.
Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships and support new business growth.Business Growth & Collaboration

Work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple teams to deliver strategic initiatives and business priorities.
Support contract renewal activity by identifying engagement trends, opportunities and areas for development.
Use customer insights, benchmarking data and market intelligence to help drive growth across the partner portfolio.
Foster collaboration across departments to ensure a coordinated approach to partner success and business development.Insight, Analysis & Strategic Planning

Gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative partner feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Monitor partner performance and identify growth drivers, trends and risks.
Produce actionable insights and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making.
Develop growth plans and opportunity maps to support partnership development.
Act as a key advocate for partner needs and priorities across the organisation.Marketing & External Engagement

Collaborate on strategic marketing initiatives that support partner engagement and business growth.
Contribute to case studies, success stories and partner-led campaigns.
Support activities that enhance brand awareness and demonstrate value to prospective partners.About You

You'll be a strategic and relationship-focused professional who thrives on identifying opportunities, influencing stakeholders and driving growth.

Skills & Experience

Experience in strategic partnerships, account management, business development or a similar growth-focused role.
Strong understanding of the Higher Education sector or experience working with universities and educational organisations.
Ability to interpret market research, data and insights to inform strategic recommendations.
Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
Experience working collaboratively across functions and influencing diverse teams.
Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
Commercial awareness with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.Personal Attributes

Naturally curious with a strong interest in market trends and sector developments.
Proactive, self-motivated and accountable for delivering outcomes.
A strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with practical delivery.
Collaborative and supportive, with a passion for building strong relationships.
Comfortable sharing best practice and helping others succeed.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

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Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed