At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial partnerships and drive performance while shaping strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join Blue Light Card, a mission-driven company supporting frontline heroes.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, medical insurance, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic culture with a focus on collaboration, diversity, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial wellbeing for those who serve our communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in partnerships or account management within Fintech or B2C services.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Blue Light Card. Individually great, together unstoppable.
The Role and the Team
MMIB, our Money, Motoring, Insurance and Bills vertical, is one of the most strategically important and evolving categories in the business. It has enormous growth potential, and thanks to recent investment backing, an ambitious plan to become the trusted financial wellbeing and savings platform for frontline workers.
We are looking for a Senior Partner Manager to take real ownership of a portfolio of commercial partnerships across financial services categories. You will be responsible for the full partner lifecycle, from prospecting and onboarding through to ongoing account management, negotiation, and joint campaigns.
The role has two equally important strands. Around half of your time will sit within the day-to-day commercial engine of MMIB, managing partnerships and driving category performance. The other half will be focused on the bigger strategic bets the team is pursuing, to move BLC beyond a savings marketplace and into a platform that helps members understand, navigate, and take control over their money management.
What You'll Do
- Own a portfolio of financial services partnerships, managing performance, relationships, and commercial agreements to deliver member value and revenue growth.
- Develop and execute partner-level strategies across your categories, including identifying new distribution channels, improving commercial terms, and enhancing attribution.
- Negotiate contracts and commercial arrangements with new and existing providers, balancing member benefit with business objectives.
- Collaborate with marketing, CRM, and product teams to deliver joint campaigns and initiatives that drive member engagement and uptake.
- Support the Head of Strategic Partnerships in shaping and delivering the broader MMIB strategy and transformation plan.
- Use data and insight to monitor partner and category performance, recommend improvements, and inform strategic priorities.
- Work closely with Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to ensure all partner activity meets FCA requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Act as a visible and well-connected point of contact for MMIB, keeping internal stakeholders informed and aligned on partner activity and pipeline.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience in partnerships or account management within Fintech, B2C financial services, or price comparison.
- Experience working in a digital-first or app-led business, with a track record of collaborating with marketing, product and engineering, and legal risk and compliance teams.
- Strong commercial acumen, with a demonstrable track record of negotiating and managing complex partnerships that deliver measurable results.
- Experience building and executing strategies at a category or product level, with the confidence to take ownership from initial idea through to delivery.
- Familiarity with FCA regulation and Consumer Duty, with an ability to navigate compliance requirements without using them as a reason to move slowly.
- An analytical, insight-driven approach to decision-making, with comfort using data and KPIs to assess performance and set direction.
- Strong collaborative instincts and the ability to work effectively across functions, with stakeholders at a range of levels.
- Experience with project-based or initiative-led work, such as product launches or new proposition development, would be a welcome addition.
Our Culture
Our mission is simple: make heroes happy. Our members are the real-life heroes who keep us all safe, cared for, and thriving. It's what gets us up in the morning and pushes us to go further, think bigger, and create something that truly matters. By focusing on their happiness, we create amazing experiences, deliver unrivalled discounts, innovative products, and world-class service.
We don't just follow the usual path - we look for smarter, bolder ways to deliver real impact. We take ownership, move fast, and work shoulder to shoulder to build something special.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels they belong. Different perspectives and experiences help us grow, innovate, and better reflect the communities we serve.
We promote hybrid working and value in-person collaboration, so encourage time in our offices, where you can make the most of our fully stocked snack drawers either at HQ in Leicestershire or London, Holborn office. The frequency and office location will vary depending on the role and team. We aim to be flexible, but we aren't able to offer fully remote working.
Blue Light Card is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. In the event of a high number of applications, we'll prioritise candidates who meet both the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working and flexible hours.
- EV charging and free parking onsite at HQ.
- 25 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, and a buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 5 days.
- A company bonus scheme.
- Your own Blue Light Card and exclusive access to thousands of discounts.
- Generous funded BUPA medical insurance covering pre-existing conditions.
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme via salary sacrifice, with employer NI savings reinvested into pensions.
- Enhanced parental leave and absence leave.
- Healthcare cashback plan.
- Employee assistance programme (including mental health support) and mental health first aiders.
- Great social events e.g., festive party, summer party, team socials, sports matches.
- Regular company-wide recognition events e.g. monthly Lights Up and annual Shine awards.
- Relaxed dress code and modern office space (games area, chill-out areas, book club, free drinks/snacks).
- Onsite gym at HQ (including access to free HIIT & stretch classes).
- Strong learning and development culture and personal growth fund.
Strategic Partnerships Manager - hybrid in Leicester employer: What Jobs
At Blue Light Card, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the wellbeing of our team and the frontline heroes we serve. With a strong focus on employee growth, hybrid working options, and a vibrant work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, we offer a range of benefits including generous annual leave, comprehensive medical insurance, and a supportive environment for personal development. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is valued, making us not just a workplace, but a community where you can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships Manager - hybrid in Leicester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like What Jobs. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships Manager - hybrid in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to What Jobs.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on What Jobs's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with What Jobs.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at What Jobs will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former What Jobs employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
