At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships strategy and build a high-performing team to drive revenue growth.
- Company: Fast-growing embedded finance company based in London, backed by £75m funding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity package, and private health cover.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fintech by building impactful partnerships with major enterprises.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in partnerships or business development, strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 175000 £ per year.
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high‑potential opportunities through smart, AI‑powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact.
Our client is a fast‑growing embedded finance company headquartered in London, enabling non‑financial businesses to offer financial products (including lending, insurance, and payments) to their customers through a single API platform. Series C backed with £75m raised, they are scaling their distribution through strategic partnerships with large platforms, marketplaces, and enterprise brands. The partnerships function is core to the company’s growth model, and the incoming Director will build the team and the strategy from a position of real commercial traction.
As Strategic Partnerships Director, you will lead the company’s partnerships function, owning the strategy, building the team, and personally leading the highest‑value partnership relationships. You will define what a great partnership looks like for this business, and build the processes, commercial models, and governance needed to scale partnership revenue to a significant share of total ARR.
What You'll Do
- Set the partnerships strategy, including target segment definition, commercial model design, and partner tiering framework.
- Lead a team of partnership managers, setting direction, coaching performance, and building a high‑accountability culture.
- Personally own the most strategic partnership relationships, acting as the senior face of the business to major enterprise partners.
- Design and negotiate commercial partnership structures, including revenue sharing, integration agreements, and co‑marketing arrangements.
- Work with Product to ensure the platform’s integration and onboarding capabilities meet the needs of large‑scale distribution partners.
What We're Looking For
- 10–15 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or commercial leadership, with a track record of building partnerships that drive meaningful revenue.
- Experience in structuring and closing complex, multi‑year commercial partnerships with large organisations.
- Strong leader with experience managing and developing partnership teams.
- Commercial and analytical, able to assess the financial value of partnerships and build business cases that secure internal investment.
- Fintech, embedded finance, or platform/marketplace experience is a strong advantage.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of £140,000 – £175,000, depending on experience.
- Significant performance bonus tied to partnership revenue targets.
- Equity package in a high‑growth fintech.
- Private health cover, enhanced pension, and hybrid working from London.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it’s a strong fit. No cover letter required. This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.
Strategic Partnerships Director employer: GetNextStep
Contact Detail:
GetNextStep Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech and partnerships space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a LinkedIn post or article about your insights on strategic partnerships in embedded finance. This not only highlights your knowledge but also gets you noticed by potential employers looking for someone with your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current partnerships and their impact. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their strategy. Tailoring your approach shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact from day one!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Creating your profile at getnextstep.com gives you a better chance of being matched with roles that fit your experience. Plus, it streamlines the process for both you and the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Profile Thoughtfully: Take your time to fill out your profile on our website. Highlight your experience in partnerships and business development, as this role is all about building strong relationships and driving revenue.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have in fintech or embedded finance. We want to see how your background aligns with the strategic partnerships you'll be leading.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and build relationships, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Double-Check Before Submitting: Before hitting that submit button, give your profile a once-over. Ensure everything is accurate and reflects your best self. We want to see you at your best!
How to prepare for a job interview at GetNextStep
✨Know Your Partnerships Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's existing partnerships and their impact on revenue. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance these relationships and what a successful partnership looks like in your eyes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Partnerships Director, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching, performance management, and building a high-accountability culture.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Brush up on your negotiation skills! Be prepared to discuss your experience in structuring complex commercial agreements. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully negotiated terms that benefited both parties.
✨Understand the Fintech Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in fintech and embedded finance. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the industry will show your passion and understanding of the market, making you a more attractive candidate.