At a Glance
- Tasks: Build impactful partnerships to enhance sight loss services across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join Henshaws, a charity dedicated to supporting those with sight loss.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for part-time work and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping vital services and securing sustainable income.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or partnerships is essential.
The predicted salary is between 41969 - 41969 £ per year.
Shape the partnerships that strengthen sight loss services across Greater Manchester. As Strategic Partnerships Manager at Henshaws, you will open doors across health, public sector, business and community networks, turning relationships into sustainable income and lasting impact.
Location: Greater Manchester office, with travel required
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week. We welcome interest from applicants who may prefer to work part time
Weeks per year: 52
Salary: £23.06 per hour, £41,969.20 per annum
Annual leave: 5 weeks plus 10 bank holidays
Closing date: 12 noon, 14 June 2026
DBS: Enhanced DBS check with the child barring list required
About the role
We are looking for a confident and proactive Strategic Partnerships Manager to help grow sustainable income and strengthen Henshaws Sight Loss Services across Greater Manchester. This is a key role for someone who can spot opportunities, build influential relationships and turn conversations into contracts, partnerships and income. You will work across public sector commissioning, corporate partnerships, VCSE networks, community organisations and wider Greater Manchester systems to help position Henshaws as a trusted partner in sight loss support.
You will identify and pursue opportunities with NHS, Local Authority, IAS and ICB partners, public health, social care, SEND and sight loss pathways. You will also grow corporate income through proactive prospecting, sponsorship approaches, employer engagement and partnership development.
Working closely with our Sight Loss operational teams, you will help shape service models, proposals, bids and tenders that reflect local need and clearly demonstrate the impact of Henshaws work.
What you will be doing
- Identify and develop commissioning, contract and funding opportunities across Greater Manchester.
- Build relationships with NHS, Local Authority, public health, social care, VCSE, corporate and community partners.
- Lead activity across the commissioning cycle, including horizon scanning, relationship building, tender development, pricing input and mobilisation support.
- Work with Sight Loss operational teams to shape service models, delivery plans, outcome frameworks and costed proposals.
- Develop compelling corporate proposals and pitches that clearly show social value, impact and return on investment.
- Build and manage a structured pipeline of prospects, tracking activity from first contact through to secured income.
- Represent Henshaws at Greater Manchester meetings, locality groups, VCSE alliances, prevention networks and sight loss sector forums.
- Support collaborative or joint bid opportunities where partnership working strengthens Henshaws position.
- Contribute to wider fundraising activity, including events, supporter stewardship and departmental initiatives.
- Produce reports, forecasts and performance updates to support decision making and future planning.
About you
We are looking for someone who is opportunity focused, resilient and confident building relationships with senior decision makers. You will have experience in business development, sales, income generation or strategic partnerships within a target driven environment. You will understand the sales cycle, from prospecting and first contact through to scoping, pitching, negotiation and relationship management.
You will be confident preparing bids, tenders or commercial proposals, and able to translate service knowledge, financial information and policy priorities into strong, persuasive proposals. You will be highly organised, comfortable managing a structured pipeline, and able to balance competing priorities while maintaining momentum.
Experience within a charity, VCSE, health or education setting would be valuable. Experience engaging with public sector bodies such as the NHS or Local Authorities would also be beneficial, but we welcome applicants with strong transferable experience and the willingness to quickly develop knowledge of the sight loss landscape.
Our values
- Ambition - You will help us grow sustainable income by spotting opportunities, building strategic partnerships and strengthening our impact across Greater Manchester.
- Respect - You will build trusted, professional relationships across public sector, corporate, VCSE and community networks, acting with integrity in every interaction.
- Empowerment - You will help partners understand the difference they can make, working with colleagues and stakeholders to create services and opportunities that support people to thrive.
Why join Henshaws?
You will be joining a charity with a clear purpose and a strong commitment to supporting people living with sight loss and a range of disabilities. This role offers the chance to shape meaningful partnerships across Greater Manchester, influence local systems and help secure the income that strengthens vital sight loss services. We welcome interest from applicants who may prefer to work part time, and we offer 5 weeks annual leave plus 10 bank holidays.
Additional information
Henshaws welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will make reasonable adjustments for applicants who require support due to a disability. Henshaws is committed to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. The successful candidate may be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check, including relevant barring lists.
Strategic Partnerships Manager. Job in Manchester Education & Training Jobs employer: Henshaws Society for Blind People
Henshaws is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals living with sight loss and disabilities. Located in Greater Manchester, we foster a collaborative work culture that values ambition, respect, and empowerment, offering generous benefits such as 5 weeks of annual leave plus 10 bank holidays, and opportunities for professional growth through strategic partnerships across diverse sectors. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven charity where your contributions will directly enhance vital services and support within the community.
Contact Details:
Henshaws Society for Blind People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships Manager. Job in Manchester Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local events, workshops, and meetups related to sight loss services or partnerships. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you'll uncover. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to potential partners. A simple email or LinkedIn message can open doors. Introduce yourself, share your passion for the cause, and express your interest in collaborating. You never know where a conversation might lead!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations you’re interested in. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This will help you tailor your pitch and show how you can contribute to their goals, especially in strengthening sight loss services.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for job openings and apply directly through us. We’re all about making connections that matter, and applying through our site gives you a better chance to stand out. Let’s work together to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships Manager. Job in Manchester Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Partnerships Manager role. Highlight your experience in building relationships and generating income, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Impact:When writing your application, focus on specific examples where you've turned opportunities into successful partnerships or contracts. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and achievements at a glance.
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 the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henshaws Society for Blind People
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into Henshaws and their current partnerships. Understand how they operate within the Greater Manchester area and be ready to discuss how you can enhance these relationships. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built partnerships or secured funding. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the sight loss services landscape in Greater Manchester. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach potential partners like the NHS or Local Authorities, and what strategies you would employ to create sustainable income.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in partnership development or how they measure the impact of their services. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the role is right for you.
