University Partnerships Manager

Sheffield City Centre (office-based and hybrid)

We’re building our Partnerships function at Uni Homes, and this is a key role within the department.

As University Partnerships Manager, you’ll lead the development and growth of relationships with universities across the UK.

Your focus will be on engaging priority universities in key cities, building long‑term partnerships, and creating opportunities that improve the student accommodation experience while driving commercial value.

Responsible to the Head of Partnerships, you’ll take ownership of co‑creating and delivering the university partnership strategy, shaping how we engage with the sector, building credibility, and helping us scale this area of the business.

You will develop partnership opportunities that support accommodation and student wellbeing, as well as identifying longer‑term revenue generating opportunities.

This is a brand‑new role, offering the opportunity to build something from the ground up and make a real impact as we develop the function.

Key Responsibilities

• Partnership development
• Identify and engage priority universities across the UK, building a strong pipeline of partnership opportunities.
• Develop and present compelling partnership propositions aligned to student accommodation, wellbeing and commercial opportunities.
• Support negotiation and agreement of partnerships, helping convert opportunities into long‑term relationships.
• University engagement & relationship management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key university stakeholders, including accommodation and commercial teams.
• Represent Uni Homes across campuses, events and industry forums to increase visibility and credibility.
• Own partner relationships end‑to‑end, from initial outreach through to ongoing development.
• Growth & impact
• Secure partnerships that increase Uni Homes’ visibility, credibility and reach within the higher education sector.
• Support demand generation through strong partner engagement and referrals.
• Identify and develop partnership‑led revenue opportunities over time.
• Insight & collaboration
• Gather market insight on student behaviour, accommodation trends and university priorities.
• Share feedback with internal teams (Marketing, Sales, Product) to inform strategy and improve our offering.
• Ensure partnership activity aligns with wider commercial and brand objectives.
• Building the function
• Contribute to developing a new partnerships function, including processes, ways of working and best practice.
• Work closely with the Head of Partnerships to shape how this area evolves as it grows.
• What Success Looks Like
• A clear pipeline and development plan showing realistic partnership opportunities over the short, medium and longer term.
• A focused approach to targeting universities, building outreach plans, executing activity effectively, and generating growth opportunities.
• Increased visibility and credibility of Uni Homes within the university sector.
• Secured partnerships with universities.
• Clear contribution to demand generation and longer‑term commercial opportunities.
• The long‑term goal is for Uni Homes to become the preferred off‑campus accommodation partner for universities.

Essential

• Previous experience of working in or with universities, understanding how they operate, and the student journey.
• 5+ years’ experience in a partnership, business development or commercial role.
• Proven experience building and growing external relationships.
• Experience engaging senior stakeholders and influencing decision‑making.
• Commercially aware, with strong negotiation skills.
• Confident working independently in a new or evolving function.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Data‑led approach to decision‑making.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UK is required.

Desirable

• Experience in a high‑growth or Private Equity‑backed business.
• Experience using Salesforce.

Benefits

• Complimentary breakfast, hot & cool drinks and snacks.
• Pool table and company social events.
• Holiday entitlement and length of service days.
• Enhanced pension scheme with salary sacrifice option.
• Healthcare scheme and Employee Assistant Programme.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Career progression and commitment to personal and professional development.
• Employee awards, refer a friend scheme, staff discounts, mental health and financial support.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

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