At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Grocery partnerships, drive strategy, and boost commercial performance.
- Company: Join Blue Light Card, a mission-driven company making heroes happy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Shape impactful partnerships and contribute to meaningful member savings.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnerships with strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Dynamic culture with a focus on diversity, collaboration, and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Partnerships to join our Grocery vertical, where you’ll lead the strategy, develop standout partnerships, and drive commercial performance. As Blue Light Card continues to grow, we’re investing in the partnerships that help our members save more on everyday essentials. Grocery is a key part of that journey, and one of our biggest growth opportunities. Reporting into the Commercial Director, you’ll work closely with teams across Marketing, CRM, Product and Data to deliver member-first partnerships that also drive meaningful revenue growth. This is a senior individual contributor role with end-to-end ownership of the Grocery partnership strategy, and the opportunity to build a small team as the vertical continues to scale.
What You’ll Do
- Own and deliver the Grocery partnership strategy, including performance targets and growth plans
- Manage and develop relationships with new and existing key Grocery retailers and FMCG brands, acting as the senior category lead to ensure long-term satisfaction, performance, and retention
- Negotiate and optimise commercial agreements, balancing member value with strong business outcomes
- Report and share insight on pipeline activity, KPIs, and revenue performance, using data to inform decision-making and spot opportunities
- Collaborate with partners and internal teams (Marketing, CRM, Product) to design and deliver joint campaigns that increase engagement and uptake
- Use data and market insight to identify opportunities, improve propositions, and stay ahead of category trends
- Coach and support wider partnerships team members, embedding strong commercial discipline and partnership best practice
What You’ll Bring
- Strong experience in partnerships, account management or commercial roles within a tech business, working with or for Grocery retailers or FMCG/CPG brands (e.g. marketplaces, retail media or loyalty ecosystems)
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of negotiating high-value agreements and achieving growth through partnerships
- Strategic mindset, with confidence shaping category plans and building new propositions from the ground up
- Experience working closely with product and technology teams to shape and deliver digital solutions that enhance member experience and partner performance
- A data-informed approach, using insight and KPIs to guide decisions and identify opportunities for improvement
- Developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted, collaborative partnerships, and work cross-functionally to deliver results
Our Culture
Our mission is simple – make heroes happy. Our members are the real-life heroes who keep us all safe, cared for, and thriving. It’s what gets us up in the morning and pushes us to go further, think bigger, and create something that truly matters. By focusing on their happiness, we create amazing experiences, deliver unrivalled discounts, innovative products, and world-class service. We don’t just follow the usual path - we look for smarter, bolder ways to deliver real impact. We take ownership, move fast, and work shoulder to shoulder to build something special. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels they belong. Different perspectives and experiences help us grow, innovate, and better reflect the communities we serve. We promote hybrid working, and value in-person collaboration so encourage time in our offices, where you can make the most of our fully stocked snack drawers – either the HQ in Leicestershire, or London, Holborn office. The frequency and office location will vary depending on the role and team. We aim to be flexible, but we aren’t able to offer fully remote working.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working and flexible hours
- Free parking and EV charging onsite at HQ
- 25 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, and a buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 5 days
- A company bonus scheme
- Your own Blue Light Card and exclusive access to thousands of discounts
- Generous funded BUPA medical insurance covering pre-existing conditions
- Group auto-enrolment pension plan
- Enhanced parental leave and absence leave
- Healthcare cashback plan
- Employee assistance programme (including mental health support) and mental health first aiders
- Great social events e.g., festive party, summer party, team socials, sports matches
- Regular company-wide recognition events e.g. monthly Light’s Up and annual Shine awards
- Relaxed dress code and modern office space (games area, chill-out areas, book club, free drinks/snacks)
- Onsite gym at HQ (including access to free HIIT & stretch classes)
- Strong learning and development culture and personal growth fund
Head of Partnerships in Leicester employer: Blue Light Card
Contact Detail:
Blue Light Card Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Partnerships in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the grocery and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past partnership successes and strategies. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share these insights to demonstrate your value and strategic mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Blue Light Card, and express your interest in potential roles. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter’s platform to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you land that dream role, so take advantage of the resources we offer to boost your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnerships in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Partnerships role. Highlight your experience in partnerships and account management, especially within the Grocery or FMCG sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to create amazing member experiences!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've negotiated high-value agreements or driven growth through partnerships. This will help us understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Data-Driven: Since we value a data-informed approach, include any relevant metrics or KPIs that demonstrate your ability to use data for decision-making. Show us how you’ve used insights to identify opportunities and improve performance in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Light Card
✨Know Your Partnerships Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the partnerships that Blue Light Card has established, especially in the Grocery sector. Familiarise yourself with their current partners and any recent campaigns. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to enhancing these relationships.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of high-value agreements you've negotiated in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to balancing member value with business outcomes. This is crucial for the Head of Partnerships role, so demonstrating your commercial acumen will set you apart.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires a data-informed approach, come prepared with insights from your previous roles where data played a key role in decision-making. Discuss how you used KPIs to identify opportunities and drive growth, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Team Building
Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with teams like Marketing, Product, and CRM. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated on joint campaigns or built teams in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to work shoulder to shoulder with others to achieve results.