At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and oversee complex construction and facilities management projects.
- Company: Join GRAHAM, a leader in Facilities and Construction with a focus on education.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days annual leave, excellent pension, and health care discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in FM or construction, strong client relationship skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At GRAHAM, we are more than a leading Facilities and Construction delivery partner; we are a trusted collaborator committed to creating high-quality learning environments and supporting the evolving needs of education-sector clients. As we expand our role in major long-term campus transformation programmes, we are seeking a Partnership Director who will help deliver a seamless, fully integrated service that enhances operational performance and elevates the student experience.
Our latest education partnership involves a substantial multi-year programme focused on modernising and optimising a diverse estate. This includes the delivery of complex capital projects, strategic asset and lifecycle management, and a comprehensive Facilities Management solution designed to drive sustainability, maximise whole-life value, and create inspiring spaces for students, staff, and visitors.
Supported by an annual turnover exceeding £1bn and a commitment to investing in our people, we are looking for an experienced leader who can drive service excellence, build strong partnerships, and oversee high-value programmes across both construction and FM.
Benefits: Up to 36 days paid annual leave, Excellent Company Pension, Free Life Assurance, Training and Development, Discounted Private Health Care Scheme, Discounted Gym Membership and BUPA Health Assessments.
Location: London
Hours Per Week: Monday - Friday, 40 Hours
Job Type: Permanent / Full Time
The Partnership Director will:
- Lead the strategic partnership with the client, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring a collaborative, solution-focused relationship.
- Oversee the delivery of all contractual obligations across construction, capital projects, lifecycle planning, and Total FM services.
- Provide leadership and direction to multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring seamless integration between construction delivery, FM operations, and strategic advisory functions.
- Drive the development and implementation of long-term estate strategies aligned with the clients educational, sustainability, and operational objectives.
- Ensure all services support an enhanced student, staff, and visitor experience, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and compliance.
- Lead governance, reporting, and performance management processes, ensuring KPIs, SLAs, and budgetary requirements are consistently met.
- Oversee programme planning and risk management for capital works, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to specification.
- Champion sustainability and net-zero initiatives across both construction and FM activities, embedding best practice throughout the contract.
- Manage financial performance, including forecasting, cost control, and value optimisation across the estate.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, supply chain partners, internal teams, and other key contributors.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and service transformation across all operational areas.
- Ensure smooth transitions from construction into operation, aligning asset information, handover processes, and lifecycle plans.
- Support talent development and workforce planning to ensure the contract is effectively resourced and future-ready.
- Represent GRAHAM at strategic meetings, workshops, and governance forums, acting as a trusted advisor to the client.
- Lead the contracts social value agenda by delivering meaningful community impact, ensuring outcomes are measured, reported, and continuously improved.
- Provide strong leadership across all people-related activities, including workforce planning, performance management, employee wellbeing, and the development of a positive, inclusive culture that supports high engagement and effective service delivery.
This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the job title and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.
About You
Essential Criteria
- Proven senior-level leadership experience managing large, complex FM and/or construction contracts.
- Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing at executive level.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across FM operations, construction delivery, and strategic advisory functions.
- Solid commercial and financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Knowledge of compliance, health & safety, and statutory responsibilities relevant to estates, FM, and construction environments.
- Experience overseeing asset management, lifecycle planning, and capital project delivery.
- Strong strategic and organisational capability, able to drive performance, KPIs, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within the education or public-sector estates environment.
- Background in long-term estate transformation programmes integrating both construction and FM services.
- Experience delivering social value initiatives and community-focused programmes.
- Professional membership or chartership (e.g., IWFM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, APM).
- Degree-level qualification in FM, Construction, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Knowledge of sustainability and net-zero frameworks or relevant environmental certifications.
- Familiarity with digital estate management tools, asset information systems, or data-driven FM technologies.
Partnership Director in City of London employer: GRAHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Contact Detail:
GRAHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnership Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GRAHAM and understanding their values and projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of enhancing educational environments. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you can drive service excellence at GRAHAM.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of creating inspiring spaces for students and staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Partnership Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Partnership Director role. Highlight your experience in managing complex FM and construction contracts, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that align with GRAHAM's focus on enhancing student experiences.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams and built strong client relationships. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can drive service excellence and foster collaboration.
Emphasise Sustainability Initiatives: Given the emphasis on sustainability in the job description, make sure to highlight any experience you have with net-zero initiatives or community-focused programmes. Show us how you can champion these values within the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at GRAHAM.
How to prepare for a job interview at GRAHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into GRAHAM's projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives in education and sustainability. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Partnership Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams and managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive service excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage risks or improve operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Their Vision
GRAHAM is focused on enhancing the student experience and driving sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Share ideas on how you can contribute to their long-term estate strategies and social value initiatives.