At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage strategic partnerships and drive collaboration with major telco providers.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O₂, a leader in connectivity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the telecommunications industry while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing strategic partnerships and influencing stakeholders is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
This job is with Virgin Media O₂, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
We have a 12 month FTC opportunity for a Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager to manage and develop strategic relationships with other major national telco providers, acting as the primary interface between VMO2 and these critical external partners. The role focuses on strengthening partnership engagement, ensuring effective governance, driving service and operational performance, and identifying opportunities to deliver additional business value through collaboration and relationship management. Working across multiple internal functions, the role is responsible for representing business requirements, aligning internal stakeholders to partnership priorities, and maintaining strong executive-level relationships to support business performance, strategic objectives, service excellence, and long-term value creation.
Who we are
At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage. We're also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK's largest employee satisfaction surveys. Join us and you'll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We're investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places. You'll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you're looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you'll feel right at home here.
Our ways of working
We're a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person. That doesn't just mean time in the office - it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count - so when we come together, it benefits everyone.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all
We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business. Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us - and everyone thinking about joining us - to feel seen, heard and supported. When you work with us, you'll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.
The must haves
- Proven experience managing strategic supplier, partner, wholesale, telecommunications or ISP customer relationships, with a strong track record of developing long-term trusted partnerships and influencing executive-level stakeholders.
- Strong capability to engage, influence and align stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally, with proven success in driving outcomes, resolving competing priorities and securing customer and business alignment.
- Sound understanding of commercial drivers, customer value, contractual obligations and growth opportunities, with evidence of delivering tangible business outcomes.
- Proven experience leading governance forums, service reviews and partner performance discussions, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of supplier management, contractual governance, service delivery and telecommunications operations, supported by demonstrable examples from previous roles.
The other stuff we are looking for
- Ability to champion customer outcomes and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver service excellence.
- Previous experience working with other major national telco providers, or similar strategic telecommunications partners is highly desirable.
- Experience managing customer performance, service reviews and governance processes.
- Skilled at managing complex issues, customer escalations and achieving positive outcomes.
What's in it for you
As you're already a valued member of the Virgin Media O2 crew, you'll know lots about the amazing stuff we do to take care of our people. If you need a reminder, head on over to the benefits portal via the main intranet site. This opportunity is open to all employees. However, we will be prioritising any at risk employees who meet the minimum criteria which are outlined above. If you've got any burning questions or require reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please drop the recruiter a note.
Next steps
Once you've applied the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a competency interview with the Hiring Manager.
Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager-12 month FTC in London employer: Virgin Media O₂
At Virgin Media O₂, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture. As an Operational Performance Manager, you'll benefit from our flexible-first approach, extensive employee support networks, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to innovative connectivity solutions in a dynamic environment. With competitive benefits including healthcare, generous holiday, and unique perks, you'll find a rewarding workplace that truly cares about your well-being and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager-12 month FTC in London
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Virgin Media O₂. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Virgin Media O₂.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Virgin Media O₂.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager-12 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Virgin Media O₂ and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O₂
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Virgin Media O₂ will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Virgin Media O₂.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Virgin Media O₂.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Virgin Media O₂. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
