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- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth in a dynamic business development role.
- Company: Distinct Cremations, a forward-thinking company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension options, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid work available, with a supportive team culture and career progression.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping our growth journey and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and building partnerships in financial services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Full time hours (however there can be some flexibility for the right candidate).
Salary: Competitive + OTE + Benefits.
Distinct Cremations, Cannock, Staffordshire – Hybrid work is available however depending on your location this could be remote with ad hoc travel to the office.
Initial 6 month FTC with scope for permanent opportunity.
We’re looking for a highly commercial and hands on business development leader with a proven track record of originating and closing strategic partnerships within Insurance / financial services, specifically across IFA distribution channels. This is a high impact, hands on role with real ownership — you will be responsible for building a new revenue channel from the ground up, working directly with the Managing Director.
The role Distinct is entering its next phase of growth, with a strategic priority to build scalable third-party distribution. We are seeking an experienced in IFA Business Development to lead this agenda, owning the identification, negotiation, and activation of institutional and intermediary partnerships. This is a senior, hands‑on commercial role with a clear mandate to open doors, shape propositions, and close agreements. The initial focus will be on Independent Financial Advisers, with scope to expand into adjacent channels over time.
What success looks like in the first 12 months:
- Material impact on revenue growth and the long‑term distribution model of the business.
- A clearly defined and prioritised partner pipeline across IFAs.
- Signed distribution agreements with high quality partners – at least one in each channel.
- Early revenue flowing through partner channels, with clear unit economics and scalability.
- Credibility established with senior external stakeholders and internally across product, marketing, and operations.
- A repeatable partnership model that can be scaled and, over time, supported by additional resource.
This rewarding opportunity involves:
- Business development and partnerships: Identify, target and secure new institutional and intermediary partners across IFAs, banks and building societies. Lead end‑to‑end partnership discussions, including proposition design, commercial negotiation, governance approval, and contract close. Develop partner value propositions aligned to partner needs, customer outcomes, and regulatory context.
- Commercial and strategic contribution: Work with the Managing Director and executive team to shape Distinct’s partner distribution strategy and channel economics. Own revenue targets and commercial performance for partner‑led distribution. Build robust business cases for new partnerships, including volume assumptions, contribution, and operational implications.
- Cross functional delivery: Collaborate closely with marketing, product, legal, compliance and operations to onboard, launch and activate partners effectively. Ensure partnerships are operationally viable, compliant and deliver a high‑quality customer experience. Track and report pipeline, conversion, and performance metrics to the executive team.
- Future build: Establish the foundations for a scalable partner model, with the potential to build a small team as volumes grow.
About you:
- Previous experience in a Senior Business Development Management role specifically building and growing strategic partnerships with IFA networks.
- Comfortable working in an FCA regulated sector (for example, Funeral Plans, Insurance plans / Financial Services etc).
- Proven track record of originating and closing complex B2B or B2B2C partnerships.
- Experience working with IFAs, financial institutions, or similarly structured intermediaries.
- Experience working in growth businesses, scale ups or transformation contexts is strongly preferred.
- Strong commercial judgement and commercial negotiation capability.
- End‑to‑end deal ownership.
- Credible and confident with senior stakeholders.
- Structured, resilient, and persistent, able to manage long sales cycles.
- Hands on, delivery focused mindset with low tolerance for ambiguity.
- Collaborative and pragmatic, able to get things done across functions.
You’ll need to pass a DBS (criminal record) check to be considered for this role.
What We Offer:
- 33 days holiday (includes bank holidays) Pro rata.
- Life Assurance.
- A choice between 7% employer pension contribution or 5% contribution + private healthcare cover (Bupa).
- Ongoing learning & development.
- Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing support.
- Mindfulness App.
- Mental Health Ambassadors.
- The benefit we hope you’ll never need: Free Cremation benefit for Immediate family.
- Bereavement Leave.
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
- Employee Assistance / Occupational health support Program.
- Recognition scheme: Above & Beyond vouchers.
- Free Flu jab.
- Free parking.
Head of Strategic Partnerships employer: Westerleigh Group
Contact Detail:
Westerleigh Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss your past successes in building partnerships, especially in the IFA space. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take that extra step. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and makes sure it gets into the right hands. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in building strategic partnerships, especially within the IFA distribution channels. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals at Distinct!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve originated and closed complex partnerships. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics that demonstrate your impact on revenue growth.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also a good fit for our team culture. Share your passion for business development and why you want to be part of our growth journey.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerleigh Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Strategic Partnerships, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of revenue growth and partner performance metrics. Brush up on key figures from your previous roles, such as revenue generated through partnerships or the number of successful deals closed. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver results.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role involves building relationships with IFAs and financial institutions, be prepared to discuss your existing network. Highlight any connections you have in the industry and how you've leveraged them in past roles. This will illustrate your ability to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would approach specific challenges in partnership development. Think about scenarios where you've had to negotiate complex agreements or overcome obstacles in securing partnerships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Distinct Cremations and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of building scalable third-party distribution. Showing that you resonate with their vision will help you stand out as a candidate who is not just qualified but also genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.