Strategic Account Manager in Darlington, North East

K.A.G. Recruitment is proud to exclusively support a globally recognised, purpose-led organisation shaping the future of the Meat and Food Manufacturing industries in their search for a Strategic Account Manager.

Contract: Initial 10-month contract (with potential extension)

Location: UK-based (flexible working considered) - Hybrid

Hours: Full-time or part-time considered

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for a highly organised, insight-led partnership professional who excels in account management, delivery and relationship stewardship. Working closely with the Managing Director and wider team, you will take ownership of a portfolio of strategic corporate partnerships, ensuring they are exceptionally well managed, consistently delivered and continuously strengthened. Rather than being heavily sales-driven, this role focuses on protecting value, deepening impact and ensuring partnerships work brilliantly in practice. You will be responsible for translating partnership agreements into clear plans, managing detail and follow-through, and ensuring partners experience the organisation as professional, dependable and insight-rich. There is scope to support new partnership opportunities where appropriate, but success in this role is primarily defined by retention, quality of delivery, operational excellence and partner confidence. You will play a key role in ensuring partners see the organisation as an indispensable ally in their ESG, DEI and L&D ambitions.

What you’ll be doing

• Owning and managing a defined, ring-fenced portfolio of strategic corporate partners
• Acting as the primary day-to-day point of contact, ensuring clarity, responsiveness and confidence at every stage of the relationship
• Translating partnership agreements into clear delivery plans, timelines and actions, and ensuring commitments are met
• Coordinating internally to support the delivery of engagement initiatives, events and programmes (online and onsite)
• Delivering a consistently high-quality partner experience that drives trust, retention and advocacy
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, actions and partner intelligence within CRM and task management systems
• Providing structured, insight-led reporting on partner activity, KPIs, impact and performance
• Using data, feedback and insight to proactively identify opportunities to improve partner experience and outcomes
• Supporting renewal and extension conversations through strong delivery, evidence of impact and well-managed relationships
• Representing the organisation professionally and confidently with partner stakeholders and at industry events

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in partnerships, account management or relationship-led roles, with a strong emphasis on delivery and retention
• A blue/green mindset: thoughtful, analytical, insight-driven and improvement-focused, with enough confidence and presence to make ideas land
• Excellent organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail and follow-through
• Genuine comfort and confidence using CRM and task management tools to manage relationships, actions, deadlines and reporting
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders calmly and effectively
• A professional, credible communication style, particularly with senior stakeholders
• Commercial awareness combined with a values-led, purpose-driven approach
• A genuine passion for empowering women and driving positive change across industry

What’s in it for you

• A high-profile role with real influence and visibility
• The opportunity to work with a globally respected organisation recognised by the UN
• Flexible working options (full-time or part-time considered)
• The chance to contribute to industry-defining research, programmes and initiatives
• A collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team
• Potential for contract extension beyond the initial maternity cover

This is more than a maternity cover; it’s an opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring strategic partnerships are delivered with excellence, insight and care, helping to shape the future of food and meat manufacturing worldwide. If you are relationship-focused, delivery-driven and motivated by purpose, we’d love to hear from you.