Job Description:

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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