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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Distinct Cremations, a forward-thinking company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, life assurance, pension options, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work model with potential for permanent role after initial contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building new revenue channels and shaping distribution strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strategic partnerships within financial services.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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; depending on your location this could be remote with ad hoc travel to the office. Initial 6 month FTC with scope for permanent opportunity.
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the identification, negotiation and activation of institutional and intermediary partnerships.
- Build a scalable third‑party distribution model and a partner pipeline across IFAs, banks and building societies.
- Shape Distinct’s partner distribution strategy and channel economics in collaboration with the Managing Director and executive team.
- Own revenue targets and commercial performance for partner‑led distribution.
- Develop and deliver partner value propositions aligned to partner needs, customer outcomes and regulatory context.
- 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.
- Establish foundations for a scalable partner model with potential to build a small team as volumes grow.
Success Metrics (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 supported by additional resources over time.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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 (e.g., funeral plans, insurance plans / financial services).
- 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.
- 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.
- Must be able to pass a DBS (criminal record) check.
Benefits
- 33 days holiday (includes bank holidays) pro rata.
- Life Assurance.
- 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.
- 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.
Location & Working Arrangements: Hybrid workforce; remote work is available depending on your location with occasional travel to the office.
Head Of Strategic Partnerships employer: Westerleigh
Contact Detail:
Westerleigh 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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience in building strategic partnerships. Share specific examples of how you've successfully closed deals or developed revenue channels in the past. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the position and mention any connections you have within the company. This shows initiative and can help keep your application top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s game day! Research the company’s current partnerships and think about how you can add value. Be ready to discuss your vision for their partner distribution strategy and how you can help them achieve their revenue targets. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Strategic Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Strategic Partnerships role. Highlight your experience in building strategic partnerships, especially within the insurance and financial services sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in business development and how you can contribute to our growth at Distinct Cremations.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your commercial judgement and negotiation skills. We’re looking for someone who can drive revenue growth, so give us examples of how you've successfully navigated complex partnerships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerleigh
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your key metrics and achievements. Be ready to discuss specific revenue growth figures or successful partnerships you've closed in the past. This will show your potential employer that you have a strong grasp of commercial performance.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the insurance and financial services sectors, especially regarding IFA distribution channels. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market dynamics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare Your Value Proposition
Think about how you can align Distinct's offerings with partner needs. Prepare a few ideas on potential value propositions you could present during the interview. This proactive approach will highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on mindset.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across functions in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to work with marketing, product, and operations will resonate well with the interviewers.