At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships to drive sustainable change and impact in global sectors.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a mission-driven charity transforming lives through clean water and hygiene.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of holiday, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to safeguarding and equity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by securing partnerships that support vital global initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in generating six-figure partnerships and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47423 - 47423 € per year.
Contract type: Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: London, UK
UK hybrid working: Minimum 40% of working time face‑to‑face (London office, external meetings or travel)
Salary: £47,423 per year with excellent benefits
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About the team
The Corporate Partnerships Team is responsible for developing high value, high impact strategic partnerships with companies, where the value goes beyond financial alone to meaningfully contribute towards WaterAid’s mission, including finding ways to contribute to programmatic, policy and advocacy objectives.
About the role
As our proactive and driven Strategic Partnership Development Manager you will lead partnership development for a range of priority corporate sectors - working closely with global partnerships, programmes and policy colleagues - to secure new multi‑year partnerships and drive sustainable change. In this role, you will:
- Lead on partnership development for strategically important sectors including food and beverage and agriculture, as well as other sectors to be determined.
- Effectively utilize your commercial awareness and corporate partnerships expertise to present WaterAid’s partnerships offering and value‑add externally to these industries.
- Develop and manage a pipeline of potential high value, annual and multi‑year new business opportunities, ensuring there is sufficient lead generation, active movement and conversion to secure annual and multi‑year 6‑figure+ partnerships.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the WaterAid federation including partnerships, communications, programmes and advocacy to identify and develop high‑quality propositions that meet both partner and WaterAid needs.
- Lead WaterAid’s presence at global events and conferences, building a network of contacts amongst companies and actively cultivating this network.
- Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Requirements
- Proven experience in generating six‑figure strategic, new business partnerships from cold in the charity sector or in a commercial setting and proven ability to meet and exceed personal targets.
- An externally focused and proactive attitude, with the energy and passion to engage people and excite them about WaterAid, alongside the ability to forge effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including internal and external C‑suite.
- Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills with an aptitude for writing high‑quality and engaging proposals for a corporate audience.
- Strong working understanding of charity‑corporate partnerships, corporate sustainability, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Preferred
- Understanding and experience of international development
- Understanding of and active interest in the agriculture and food & beverage sectors, including key materially important sustainability topics.
Benefits
- 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
- Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
- Employer pension contribution up to 10%
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Season ticket loan
- Free annual eye tests
- ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
- Sabbaticals
- One paid volunteer day each year
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero‑tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Strategic Partnership Development Manager employer: WaterAid
WaterAid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises equity, inclusion, and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 36 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the fight for clean water and sanitation globally. Located in London, the role of Strategic Partnership Development Manager provides a unique chance to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and drive sustainable change in key corporate sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnership Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sectors you're targeting. Attend industry events, conferences, and even local meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for WaterAid's mission! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about clean water and sustainability. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its partnerships. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at WaterAid.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnership Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Partnership Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in generating six-figure partnerships and your understanding of corporate sustainability, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your energy and enthusiasm for WaterAid’s mission. Use your written application to convey why you care about clean water and hygiene, and how you can contribute to our goals. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use engaging language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured proposals that are easy to read and understand, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, dive deep into WaterAid's current partnerships and their impact. Understand how strategic partnerships work in the charity sector, especially in food and beverage and agriculture. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss your understanding of corporate sustainability, ESG, and CSR. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully generated six-figure partnerships. Highlight how you can leverage this expertise to benefit WaterAid’s objectives.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
Your passion for WaterAid’s mission should shine through. Practice conveying your excitement about the role and how you can contribute to meaningful change. Use specific examples to illustrate your proactive attitude and ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, as this role involves working closely with various teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated on projects or proposals. Be ready to discuss how you can foster effective relationships within WaterAid and with external partners.
