At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships strategy and secure high-value collaborations in Tech, FMCG, and Travel sectors.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading arts organisation in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting from £50,000, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and supporting candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a cultural impact while driving significant income through innovative brand partnerships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and managing complex partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, UK
Fixed-Term Contract (12 months)
Salary: Starting from £50,000 per annum (based on experience)
Full time; 40 hours per week (Part-time negotiable)
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
A critical strand of our Audiences and Commercial division is Brand Partnerships who contribute to our delivery of £80M annual income through commercial activities. With the support of a refreshed brand and purpose, and assets never before available, the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is open for business and on track to deliver a step-change in income from brand partnerships with a £5M target for the FY26/27 season.
We are looking for a seasoned, rigorous senior partnerships specialist with a strong sales mindset and creative ambition who thrives on building high-value, long-term partnerships that deliver measurable commercial return and cultural impact. The role will contribute to the development and implementation of RBO’s partnerships strategy, playing a key role in securing and managing significant partnerships that diversify and strengthen the brand, build income and celebrate RBO’s strategic priorities. This role will lead sales in the Tech, FMCG and Travel business sectors.
An ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in both new business development and client management, including delivering and negotiating complex 6- and 7-figure partnerships.
- Proven experience managing partnerships with major organisations and overseeing the full lifecycle from prospecting to stewardship.
- Good understanding of a breadth of partner benefits and activations with the ability to incorporate audience metrics into proposals.
- Experience working with, and selling into, Technology business sectors.
- Natural salesperson, confident, persuasive and proactive.
- Keen understanding of how best to leverage a client’s objectives and maximize potential.
- Excellent relationship‑building, verbal communication and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under‑represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long‑term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 21st June 2026. To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Senior Partnerships Manager (Fixed-Term) in London employer: Royal Opera House
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and collaboration at our iconic Covent Garden location. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we provide meaningful growth opportunities for our employees while fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive. Join us in shaping the future of the arts as we inspire audiences worldwide and drive impactful partnerships that celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Partnerships Manager (Fixed-Term) in 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 partners or colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in partnerships. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, use these examples to demonstrate how you can bring value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’d love to work for, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly with a tailored pitch about how you can help them achieve their goals. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up. So, keep an eye on our careers page and jump on those roles that excite you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Partnerships Manager (Fixed-Term) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Partnerships Manager role. Highlight your experience in new business development and client management, especially with complex partnerships. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Royal Ballet and Opera!
Showcase Your Sales Mindset:We’re looking for a natural salesperson! In your application, emphasise your sales achievements and how you've successfully negotiated high-value partnerships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your persuasive and proactive approach.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills:Strong relationship-building skills are key for this role. Share instances where you’ve built and maintained successful partnerships, particularly with major organisations. We want to know how you’ve leveraged client objectives to create mutual benefits!
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 ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Royal Ballet and Opera!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Opera House
✨Know Your Partnerships Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Royal Ballet and Opera's current partnerships. Understand their objectives, successes, and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Sales Savvy
Prepare to discuss specific examples of complex partnerships you've managed, especially in the Tech, FMCG, and Travel sectors. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've delivered measurable commercial returns in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to share how you've fostered inclusive partnerships in the past. Discuss how you can leverage diverse perspectives to enhance brand partnerships and audience engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their future partnership strategies or how they measure the success of their collaborations. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but in contributing to their mission.
