At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Experiences category, driving commercial performance and building key partner relationships.
- Company: Join Blue Light Card, a mission-driven company making heroes happy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid working, personal growth fund, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful experiences for members while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnership management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
The Experiences category sits at the heart of what makes Blue Light Card membership feel genuinely rewarding. Days out, attractions, live events, cinema, entertainment - these are the moments members look forward to, and the Experiences team is responsible for making those moments accessible and meaningful. As the category grows in both scale and strategic importance, this is a role for someone who wants to shape what that looks like in practice.
As Category Lead, you'll own the commercial performance of Experiences end-to-end - translating strategy into delivery, building and nurturing the partner relationships that matter most, and leading a team to do the same. You'll work closely with the Head of Experiences, the Blue Light Tickets team, and stakeholders across the business, sitting at the intersection of commercial rigour and cross-functional collaboration.
This is a senior role with real breadth. Alongside day-to-day category leadership, you'll personally own the most complex partner relationships and new business opportunities, and lead at least one cross-functional project that drives change beyond your immediate team.
What You'll Do
- Own the commercial performance of the Experiences category, with member savings, revenue, and retail media as your guiding metrics, and accountability for delivery against targets agreed with your Head of Department.
- Execute and adapt the category strategy using data, consumer insight, and market awareness, proactively identifying growth opportunities and feeding insight back to shape broader direction.
- Lead and develop a small team, coaching them to think strategically and independently, holding them accountable for their objectives and supporting their growth through regular feedback.
- Take personal ownership of top-tier new business opportunities, leading deals from identification through to close and keeping senior stakeholders informed on pipeline progress.
- Lead senior commercial negotiations with key Experiences partners, securing outcomes that put member value first while delivering strong performance across commission, offer quality, and media investment.
- Own delivery across key trading moments and seasonal campaigns, working collaboratively across functions to ensure partners are represented strategically and plans are joined up.
- Lead at least one cross-functional project, bringing together stakeholders from across the business to deliver meaningful change with clear communication and shared ownership.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with senior partner stakeholders, positioning BLC as a trusted strategic partner rather than simply another affiliate channel.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience in partnership or account management within a consumer, marketplace, leisure, entertainment, or digital business, with a track record of delivering commercial results.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing a team, with the ability to build a high-performing culture and coach others to grow their own strategic thinking.
- Strong commercial judgement, including confidence leading complex negotiations and structuring deals that deliver sustainable, long-term value.
- High data literacy, with the ability to use performance metrics and consumer insight to identify risks and opportunities and translate them into clear delivery plans.
- Experience owning or contributing significantly to cross-functional projects, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across multiple teams.
- A strategic mindset, with the ability to think across a broad category, spot emerging opportunities, and respond to a fast-moving market.
- Excellent senior stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally, with a collaborative and responsive approach to working across the business.
Our Culture
Our mission is simple: make heroes happy. Our members are real-life heroes who keep us all safe, cared for, and thriving. It's what gets us up in the morning, what makes us want to 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 promote hybrid working, and value in-person collaboration so encourage time in our offices - 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.
Blue Light Card is an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where different perspectives and experiences help us grow, innovate, and better reflect the communities we serve. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. In the event of a high number of applications, we'll prioritise candidates who meet both the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
- A Moments that Matter day - one extra day of leave each year to use for something that matters to you.
- Buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 5 days.
- A volunteering/fundraising day - one paid day each year to give something back to the community.
- Annual company bonus scheme - linked to both company and individual performance.
- Your own Blue Light Card and exclusive access to thousands of discounts.
- Personal growth fund of £450 per year to invest in your development.
- Private Medical Insurance that includes cover for pre-existing conditions.
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme via salary sacrifice, with 100% of employer NI savings reinvested into your pension.
- Enhanced Maternity, Partner, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave.
- Healthcare cash-back plan.
- Colleague Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential support whenever you need it.
- Hybrid working and flexible hours.
- EV charging and free parking onsite at HQ.
- Relaxed dress code and modern office space (games area, chill-out areas, book club, free drinks and well stocked snack drawers!).
- On-site gym including free HIIT and stretch classes at HQ.
Category Lead in London employer: Blue Light Card
At Blue Light Card, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the happiness of our members and employees alike. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, with a strong emphasis on personal growth through a dedicated development fund and flexible working arrangements. Located in Leicestershire or London, we offer a range of benefits including generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead in London
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Blue Light Card. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Blue Light Card before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Blue Light Card:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Blue Light Card specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Blue Light Card!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Light Card
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
