At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value brand partnerships and drive engagement for major global clients.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency that blends technology, marketing, and sourcing for top brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a culture of inclusion and authenticity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping brand strategies and driving loyalty for iconic companies.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnerships and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery. Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald’s, T‑Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
What Matters The Most
Breakthrough, business‑driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever‑evolving. tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice!
At tms we believe that from day one our job is to prepare you, develop you, train you and invest in you so that while with us you will become ready to take on the next challenge better prepared than you thought possible. So whether you’re here for a meeting, a project, or a career – be prepared to Leave Changed.
Why You’ll Love This Role
Partnerships are a critical part of how our clients drive engagement, loyalty and brand relevance. As Partnerships Director, you will lead the development, negotiation and delivery of high‑value brand partnerships across a portfolio of major global clients. You will combine commercial acumen, industry relationships and strategic thinking to identify and secure partnerships that create tangible value for both clients and partner brands. This role sits at the centre of client strategy, partner ecosystems and commercial deal making. You will act as a senior advisor to clients, represent tms in the market, and lead a team responsible for identifying, structuring and delivering partnership opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Partnership Strategy & Commercial Leadership
- Identify and develop partnership opportunities that support client objectives across loyalty, engagement and promotional programmes.
- Lead the end‑to‑end partnership process from opportunity identification and partner outreach through negotiation, contracting and launch.
- Provide strategic counsel to clients on how to design, structure, and optimise partnership models to achieve maximum mutual value and long‑term business impact.
- Craft and lead partnership strategies that enable clients to achieve their strategic objectives and maximise the value of their external collaborations.
- Structure commercially sound deals that create clear value exchange between brands while protecting client and agency commercial interests.
- Advise clients on partnership strategy, market opportunities and category developments.
- Use market insights and data to identify emerging opportunities and inform recommendations.
- Partner Acquisition & Relationship Management
- Leverage existing industry relationships while proactively identifying and engaging new partner brands.
- Develop compelling partnership propositions that align brand objectives and unlock co‑marketing value.
- Lead complex negotiations and manage key partner relationships at a senior level.
- Ensure successful execution of partnership activations and maintain strong long‑term partner relationships.
- Client Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to client teams on partnership opportunities and programme development.
- Collaborate with strategy, creative and account teams to ensure partnerships are integrated into broader programme design.
- Communicate partnership performance, insights and optimisation opportunities to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to expand partnership programmes and unlock additional value for clients.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Contribute to forecasting, financial planning and revenue growth across client accounts.
- Identify opportunities to expand partnership portfolios and generate incremental revenue.
- Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor members of the partnerships team, supporting their professional development and performance.
- Create a collaborative team environment focused on delivery, creativity and commercial impact.
- Work closely with senior leadership to evolve the partnerships offering and strengthen tms’ market position.
Skill & Experience We Would Like You To Have
- Significant experience in partnerships, brand collaborations, sponsorship, or strategic alliances.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience structuring partnership agreements and negotiating complex deals.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and deliver successful brand partnerships.
- Experience working with major consumer brands or within marketing, loyalty, media or partnership agencies.
- Strong client relationship skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- A well‑developed industry network and the ability to open conversations with partner brands.
- Highly organised, commercially minded and comfortable operating in a fast‑moving environment.
We’d Love You To Have…
- Experience working with global consumer brands.
- Experience in consumer electronics, telecoms, loyalty or promotional marketing.
- Experience leading business development initiatives or building partnership ecosystems.
- Understanding of emerging trends in partnerships, loyalty and customer engagement.
Questions & Contact
If you have any questions about the job, we are open to discussing this role further, so please feel free to get in touch.
Director Brand Partnerships & Licensing employer: tms
Contact Detail:
tms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Brand Partnerships & Licensing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your authentic self shine through. Companies like tms value diversity and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research the company and its partnerships before your interview. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals and strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the tms team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Brand Partnerships & Licensing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: At StudySmarter, we value authenticity. When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. Share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Director Brand Partnerships & Licensing role. Highlight your relevant experience in partnerships and brand collaborations, and show us how your skills align with our mission at tms.
Showcase Your Achievements: We love to see results! In your application, include specific examples of successful partnerships you've led or contributed to. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at tms
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of partnerships tms engages in. Familiarise yourself with their major clients and think about how your experience aligns with their partnership strategies. This will show that you understand their business model and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully structured partnership agreements or negotiated deals. Highlight your commercial mindset and how it has led to tangible results in previous roles. This is crucial for a role that demands strong financial management skills.
✨Emphasise Authenticity and Inclusion
Since tms values authenticity and diversity, share your thoughts on how these elements play a role in successful partnerships. Discuss any experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, as this aligns with their company culture.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about tms's future partnership strategies or how they measure the success of their collaborations. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking, which is essential for the Director role.