Client Partner – Banking in Newcastle upon Tyne

We are seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Client Partner to manage, grow, and deepen Version 1's existing banking portfolio in the UK. The portfolio consists of strategic and growth accounts, requiring a candidate who can balance executive-level engagement with hands-on account stewardship. This role is responsible for protecting and expanding revenue within the existing client base, identifying and converting organic growth opportunities, driving high client satisfaction, and ensuring successful delivery outcomes that underpin long-term partnership. The ideal candidate will bring deep domain knowledge of UK banking, a strong consultative approach and a demonstrated ability to grow accounts through trusted advisory relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio & Account Management – Own the end-to-end client relationship across a defined portfolio, focus on strategic and growth accounts. Develop and execute tailored account plans that identify expansion opportunities, manage risks and align Version 1 capabilities to client priorities. Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and retention.
• Revenue Growth & Opportunity Development – Drive organic revenue growth through identification of cross-sell and upsell opportunities across digital transformation, cloud, data & AI and managed services. Work closely with delivery, solution and practice leads to shape and commercialise expanded scopes of work within existing accounts. Develop and progress pipeline within the portfolio, converting trusted relationships into incremental and renewal contract value.
• Executive Engagement & Relationship Deepening – Build and sustain senior stakeholder relationships with CIOs, CTOs, Heads of Digital, CROs and business unit leaders across client organisations. Act as a strategic advisor, bringing insight, market perspective and thought leadership to client conversations on digital banking, modernisation, and emerging technology trends. Maintain a regular executive engagement rhythm, including QBRs, steering committees and joint planning sessions.
• Delivery Oversight & Client Advocacy – Partner with delivery and programme leadership to ensure contracted services are delivered to the agreed quality, timeline, and commercial terms. Proactively manage client expectations, address performance issues and champion the client's needs internally to drive continuous improvement. Act as the voice of the client within Version 1, influencing solution direction, resourcing and investment decisions.
• Market & Competitive Awareness – Maintain awareness of UK and European banking regulatory developments (PRA, FCA, EBA) and market trends including fintech disruption, vendor consolidation and platform modernisation. Identify whitespace opportunities and emerging client needs driven by regulatory change, strategic transformation agendas or technology refresh cycles.
• Internal Collaboration & Governance – Work cross-functionally with data, cloud, AI, Enterprise Application and Managed Services practices to develop integrated propositions and support account growth strategies. Ensure compliance with Version 1's deal governance, pricing, legal and risk approval processes across all account activity. Contribute to the development of UK banking go-to-market collateral and sector playbooks.

Required Experience & Skills

• 15+ years of progressive experience in account management, client leadership, or portfolio management within banking and financial services.
• Demonstrated success managing and growing large, complex technology or consulting engagements with UK and global banks.
• Proven track record of delivering revenue retention and growth within an existing account base.
• Strong consultative and advisory selling skills with the ability to engage credibly at C-suite level.
• Experience across technology services, managed services, digital and data transformation delivery.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, negotiation and stakeholder influencing skills.
• Ability to navigate complex client organisations and build multi-threaded relationships across business and technology functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Business, Finance, or Technology.
• Familiarity with UK banking regulatory frameworks and digital transformation priorities.
• Experience working with fintech partners, hyperscalers and SaaS platform vendors in a client-facing capacity.

Benefits

• Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme.
• Career progression, mentorship and quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
• Flexible/remote working and supported work-life balance.
• Financial wellbeing initiatives – Pension, private healthcare cover, life assurance, financial advice and employee discount scheme.
• Wellbeing programmes – gym discounts, bike-to-work, fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, employee assistance programme, generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
• Educational assistance and certification incentives for AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Reward schemes including Annual Excellence Awards and Call-Out platform.
• Community initiatives and local fundraising opportunities supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Version 1 is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences, and we value the different perspectives people bring. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact hugh.campbell@version1.com. We will consider all requests carefully, respectfully and confidentially.