At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage strategic partnerships with major telco providers and drive collaboration for business growth.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a leader in connectivity and employee satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and access to award-winning employee networks.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by strengthening partnerships and enhancing service excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing strategic relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
Location: London, Reading
Job Family: B2B
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 30-Jul-2026
Ref #: 74817
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.
We'd Also Love It If You Could Bring:
- 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 are 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. 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.
Next steps: Once you have 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 Reading employer: Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, the company supports your professional growth while allowing you to lead impactful PR campaigns that resonate with audiences. Join us in a vibrant environment that values innovation and meaningful storytelling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager-12 month FTC in Reading
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like Virgin Media O2 and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
✨Join Networking Communities
Find online forums or local meetups that focus on telecommunications and networking. Sites like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit communities can be great for connecting with professionals in the field. Just remember to participate in discussions – you never know when someone might mention job openings at places like Virgin Media O2.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
If you’ve got any personal projects or contributions to open-source networking tools, flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your skills relevant to what telecommunication companies are looking for. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews and networking chats.
✨Utilise Online Job Boards Wisely
While we’re all about encouraging you to apply through our website, also keep an eye on job boards specific to tech and telecommunication roles. Websites such as Telecommunication Jobs and TechCareers often list full-time roles that may not appear elsewhere. Just be sure to tailor every application to grab attention – even small tweaks can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager-12 month FTC in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at Virgin Media O2.
Show Enthusiasm for the Industry:With telecommunications evolving rapidly, it’s important to express your passion for the field in your application. Mention any trends or innovations you've been following that excite you and how they'd influence your work. This can really set you apart and show that you're not just after a job, but a career!
Keep It Clean and Professional:While it’s important to be personable, ensure your application maintains a clean and structured format. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to dig into your skills and experience. Remember, you’re applying for a full-time role, so a well-organised application will signal your seriousness about the position at Virgin Media O2.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
