At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop strategic relationships with key ISP customers and partners.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O₂, a leader in connectivity and employee satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy Bupa healthcare, generous holiday, and exclusive discounts on broadband and mobile.
- Other info: Flexible-first organisation with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving service excellence and customer engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing strategic partnerships and influencing stakeholders.
We have an exciting new opening for a Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager to be accountable for managing and developing strategic relationships with key Internet Service Provider (ISP) customers and partners. You’ll act as the primary interface between the organisation and its customer base, focusing on strengthening customer engagement, ensuring effective governance of strategic partnerships, driving service excellence, and identifying opportunities to deliver additional business value through collaboration and relationship management.
Working across multiple internal functions, the role is responsible for representing customer requirements, aligning internal stakeholders to customer priorities, and maintaining strong executive-level relationships to support business growth, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Location: London, Reading
Job Family: B2B
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 30-Jul-2026
Ref #: 74819
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.
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.
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: We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday –plus your birthday off. And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond. We’ll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we’ll do our best to make them happen.
Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager 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 in Reading
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager at Virgin Media O2!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Virgin Media O2 or be willing to refer you for that Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Virgin Media O2 who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager role at Virgin Media O2!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Virgin Media O2. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Virgin Media O2. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
