At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape partnerships to enhance sight loss services across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join Henshaws, a charity dedicated to supporting those with sight loss.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence local systems and support a meaningful cause.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by building impactful relationships and securing vital funding.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development or partnerships; strong relationship-building skills.
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. 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 develop opportunities with NHS, Local Authority, ICs 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
- Lead the development of strategic partnerships across Greater Manchester.
- Identify and pursue commissioning, contract and funding opportunities with NHS, Local Authority, ICs, ICB and public sector partners.
- Build strong relationships with commissioners, public health leads, locality teams, corporate partners, VCSE organisations and community networks.
- Develop compelling bids, tenders, proposals and partnership approaches.
- Grow corporate income through prospecting, sponsorship opportunities, employer engagement and relationship management.
- Work with operational teams to develop service models, delivery plans, outcome frameworks and costed proposals.
- Represent Henshaws at Greater Manchester meetings, locality groups, VCSE alliances, prevention networks and sight loss forums.
- Build and manage a structured pipeline, tracking activity from first contact through to secured income.
- Support wider fundraising activity, including events, supporter stewardship and departmental initiatives.
- Produce reports, forecasts and performance updates to support planning and decision making.
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, strategic partnerships or corporate relationship management within a target driven environment. You will understand the sales cycle, from prospecting and first contact through to scoping, pitching, negotiation and ongoing relationship management. You will also be confident preparing bids, tenders or commercial proposals. You will be highly organised, able to manage a structured pipeline and comfortable balancing competing priorities while maintaining momentum. Experience in a charity, VCSE, health, education or public sector setting would be valuable. Experience engaging with the NHS, local authorities or commissioning bodies 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.
Salary: £23.06 per hour, £41,969.20 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week. We welcome interest from applicants who may prefer to work part time
Weeks per year: 52
Contract: Permanent
Location: Greater Manchester office, with travel required
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
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.
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 Partnership Manager in Manchester employer: Henshaws
Henshaws is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those living with sight loss across Greater Manchester. With a strong focus on collaboration and community engagement, we offer a supportive work culture that values ambition, respect, and empowerment, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a passionate team that not only drives sustainable income but also shapes vital services that truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnership Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health, public sector, and community organisations. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know where a conversation might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out! Research potential partners and reach out with tailored proposals that highlight how you can create value together.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your impact! When you’re pitching or building relationships, make sure to communicate the difference your work can make. Use data and stories to illustrate how partnerships can lead to sustainable income and improved services.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep track of your progress. Build a structured pipeline to manage your contacts and follow up regularly. This will help you stay organised and ensure you’re nurturing those important relationships until they turn into contracts.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnership Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in building strategic partnerships and income generation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Henshaws!
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've successfully built relationships with senior decision-makers. We love to see real-life stories that demonstrate your ability to turn conversations into contracts!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
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 Henshaws.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henshaws
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into Henshaws and its current partnerships. Understand their mission and how they collaborate with various sectors. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in strengthening sight loss services.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Highlight instances where you turned conversations into contracts or partnerships. This will showcase your ability to connect with senior decision-makers and your proactive approach to partnership development.
✨Master the Art of Bids and Proposals
Brush up on your skills in preparing bids, tenders, and proposals. Be ready to discuss your process and any successful outcomes. Henshaws is looking for someone who can develop compelling proposals, so demonstrating your expertise here will set you apart.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Greater Manchester area, especially regarding health, public sector, and community networks. Knowing the local context will allow you to speak confidently about potential opportunities and how you can contribute to Henshaws' mission in the region.
