At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships to enhance research, teaching, and student experiences at a top university.
- Company: Join the University of St Andrews, the UK's top-ranked university.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and wellbeing in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a transformative digital ecosystem while fostering collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic partnerships and business relationship management required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for an experienced and highly motivated Strategic Partner Manager to join our established IT Services Team at the University of St Andrews, the Top Ranked University in the United Kingdom (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and the Guardian University Guide 2025). The University is fully committed to exploiting technology to improve the staff and student experience with Digital as one of our five strategic pillars. This is an exceptional opportunity to become a key contributor in the development and delivery of a transformational digital ecosystem.
Reporting directly to the CIO, you will lead the development of relationships with external vendors and other organisations to advance the University’s strategic goals related to research, teaching and business development. Working with Procurement and Legal colleagues, you will identify, cultivate, and negotiate partnerships with various stakeholders, including businesses, other universities and non-profit agencies to create mutually beneficial collaborations that can generate revenue, enhance research opportunities, improve student experiences, and expand the University's reach and influence.
You will be a strategic thinker with experience of developing and managing mutually beneficial business relationships. We are making a substantial investment in people who are forward thinking, able to inspire and drive a high-performance culture and work effectively with minimal supervision. You will be encouraged to expand and improve on your knowledge and skills and will be given the opportunity for further professional development.
Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Steve Watt, email: cio@st-andrews.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1334 467244. St Andrews offers more than just a place to work; it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the IT Strategic Partner Manager includes:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing Date: 18 August 2026
Interview Date: 27 August 2026
IT Strategic Partner Manager - AD2897 employer: University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collegiality and wellbeing. As a Post-doctoral Research Fellow, you will benefit from a generous benefits package, including financial relocation support, a hybrid working environment, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to impactful research in a stunning coastal location. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, St Andrews fosters a supportive atmosphere where every staff member can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Strategic Partner Manager - AD2897
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what University of St Andrews values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges University of St Andrews might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at University of St Andrews!
✨Direct Apply to University of St Andrews
Let's not forget to apply directly through the University of St Andrews website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Strategic Partner Manager - AD2897
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at University of St Andrews.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at University of St Andrews. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
