Head of Partnerships & Creators in Manchester

We've partnered with Nero, one of the most exciting premium activewear brands in the market, who are now looking to hire their first Head of Partnerships & Creators. This is a unique opportunity to build an entire growth function from the ground up, owning how Nero partners with creators, influencers and premium brands to drive both performance marketing and long-term brand equity.

About Nero: Nero is redefining performance apparel. Built using 100% natural fibres, Nero believes world-class activewear shouldn't rely on synthetic plastics. Every product is designed to deliver exceptional performance whilst remaining true to the brand's commitment to quality, sustainability and timeless design. As a fast-growing DTC brand, Nero is building something different. Rather than following traditional activewear marketing playbooks, the team are creating a luxury brand built around authenticity, craftsmanship and long-term brand value.

The Role: As Head of Partnerships & Creators, you'll own the entire partnerships strategy across creators, influencers, ambassadors and premium brand collaborations. This isn't a role focused on gifting products or managing spreadsheets. You'll build the systems, relationships and commercial strategy that turn partnerships into one of Nero's biggest growth channels. Working directly alongside the founder, you'll have the autonomy to shape the function, test new ideas and build a creator ecosystem that supports both paid acquisition and long-term brand growth.

Responsibilities:

• Creator Partnerships: Build and manage a network of high-quality creators producing content across paid and organic channels. Develop long-term creator relationships that consistently deliver premium, high-performing content. Secure usage rights and whitelisting opportunities to maximise paid media performance. Build and optimise an affiliate programme that balances commercial performance with brand positioning.
• Influencer & Ambassador Strategy: Identify and develop long-term ambassador partnerships with creators and industry figures that genuinely align with the Nero brand. Build relationships that drive awareness, credibility and commercial growth. Manage partnership budgets and measure ROI across all influencer activity. Continuously identify new partnership opportunities that strengthen Nero's market position.
• Brand Partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships with complementary premium brands, communities and organisations. Create collaborative campaigns that expand Nero's reach whilst strengthening brand equity. Build VIP gifting and seeding strategies that generate genuine advocacy. Identify innovative partnership opportunities beyond traditional influencer marketing.
• Commercial Performance: Track partnership performance across revenue, CAC, ROAS and customer acquisition. Use performance data to continually optimise partnership strategy. Balance long-term brand building with measurable commercial impact.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Paid Media, Creative and Brand teams to ensure partnerships support wider marketing objectives. Collaborate with the founder on strategic initiatives and future growth opportunities. Help shape how Nero is represented across every external partnership.

Requirements:

• Previous experience managing creators, influencers or strategic partnerships within a DTC or consumer brand.
• Strong understanding of affiliate marketing, creator partnerships and paid social.
• Experience working with premium or lifestyle brands would be highly beneficial.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to analyse performance and optimise ROI.
• Strong understanding of the US market in terms of brands and people.
• Sign partnerships with exclusive wellness clubs.
• Comfortable operating in a founder-led, fast-growing environment.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial and comfortable building processes from scratch.
• Experience using AI tools to improve research, outreach and workflow efficiency would be advantageous.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + performance bonus.
• Opportunity to build an entire function from the ground up.
• Direct access to the founder with genuine ownership.
• Join one of the UK's most exciting premium activewear brands during a significant stage of growth.
• High autonomy with the opportunity to shape long-term business strategy.
• Flexible hybrid/remote working.

Nero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to support any adjustments throughout the recruitment process.