Partnership Manager

Think Active is entering an exciting period of growth, collaboration and system leadership. Over the coming years, we aim to strengthen our influence and impact across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire, particularly in tackling inequalities through the power of sport and physical activity.

At the heart of our work is our vision: #WeThinkActive – Everyone in Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire to benefit from movement and enjoy sport and physical activity in safe and thriving communities. Our mission is to use the power and potential of sport and physical activity to enable future generations to have healthier and more prosperous lives.

The role reflects the growing recognition that physical activity has an important role to play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, pre-employment checks, a DBS check and proof of the right to work in the UK.

Main Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Lead and manage relationships with partners and support the development of local partnerships and networks that drive collaboration across relevant sectors. Lead or support the development of place-based partnerships that align multiple agendas across sectors and advocate for the benefits of physical activity.
• Project Management: Lead Think Active-managed initiatives, ensuring aims are clearly defined, delivered on time and within budget, and aligned with organisational values. Use data and insight to co-design, deliver and evaluate projects and initiatives. Produce clear performance reports, reporting against SMART goals and targets.
• Financial Management: Take responsibility for diversifying Think Active's income streams in line with the business development plan, operating within funding guidance and financial procedures. Manage project budgets, including forecasting, monitoring income and expenditure, and submitting financial reports.
• Demonstrating Impact: Track and report progress through case studies and evaluation processes that evidence the impact and value of Think Active's work.
• Marketing and Communications: Build brand visibility by strategically managing partnerships and contributing to Think Active's wider marketing and communications activity. Help position Think Active as a leading voice in health, wellbeing, and physical activity through innovative partnerships and initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• Essential Criteria: Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in business, health, sport, physical activity or a related field.
• Desirable Criteria: Project management qualification.

Knowledge

• Essential Criteria: Knowledge of local and national strategies and policies relating to sport, physical activity and health promotion. Knowledge of current trends and innovations in sport and physical activity participation and promotion. Knowledge of the barriers facing the least active members of society and the benefits of physical activity. Knowledge of the local community and key stakeholders across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.
• Desirable Criteria: Knowledge of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults in sport.

Experience

• Essential Criteria: Proven experience in partnership development or a comparable role within a sport, physical activity, health, charity, non-profit or similar setting. A track record of delivering successful individual, team and partnership outcomes. Experience of developing, managing and nurturing relationships with partners and stakeholders. Experience of drafting, implementing and reporting on strategic development plans and policies in partnership with stakeholders and communities. Experience of planning and managing budgets, including meeting the requirements of funding agencies or partner organisations.
• Desirable Criteria: Experience of fundraising and grant applications. Experience of event planning and delivery.

Skills and Abilities

• Essential Criteria: Ability to successfully lead, project manage and motivate individuals and project teams. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to motivate, persuade, negotiate and influence others. Strategic thinking, critical thinking and sound decision-making skills. Ability to work independently and manage a broad portfolio of projects, partners and budgets, balancing competing priorities and deadlines. Ability to promote and champion equality, diversity and inclusion, demonstrating a fair and ethical approach in all situations. Ability to effectively network and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Professional, supportive and able to maintain confidentiality at all times. Ability to reflect on performance, welcome feedback and commit to continuous professional development. Competent in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver workshops and group sessions. Ability and willingness to travel across Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and nationally, and to work occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.
• Desirable Criteria: Ability to develop and implement effective partnership strategies. Demonstrates resilience, professionalism, flexibility and a supportive approach.

ABOUT THINK ACTIVE

Think Active is a charity and the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We are one of 6 sub-regional Active Partnerships within the West Midlands and one of 42 across England. Active Partnerships are strategic organisations that recognise activity levels are affected by a complex system of influences, and no single organisation or programme can create sustainable change at scale. Understanding the unique attributes and challenges within Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, we work collaboratively with our network of local partners to help create the right conditions for those facing the greatest inequalities to have access to movement, sport and physical activity, in a way that works for them.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THINK ACTIVE

• Employer pension contribution of 6%, subject to scheme eligibility and terms.
• 27 days annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays.
• Agile and flexible working, with a blended approach to home, office, and remote working.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick leave policies.
• Contribution to the cost of eye tests.
• Commitment to professional development and training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Life Insurance cover.

We love difference and will be interested to find out what motivates you and how you can contribute to Think Active. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a Disability Confident committed employer, and we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining Think Active.