Partnerships Manager

We’re searching for a Partnerships Manager at Virgin StartUp, to drive our partnership strategy by identifying and securing strategic partnerships that provide transformative value to founders while advancing our commercial objectives.

You'll be the driving force behind our partnership ecosystem, managing existing relationships and developing clear roadmaps that bring our partnership vision to life. Your role will be crucial in cultivating meaningful connections, negotiating innovative collaborations, and coordinating cross-team efforts to integrate and activate partnership opportunities that support Virgin StartUp's mission of empowering entrepreneurial talent.

Our Virgin Family

Virgin Management, the heart of Virgin, nurtures the brand globally. Our diverse, 180-strong team in London and New York, supports every facet of the Virgin empire, including Virgin StartUp, empowering UK entrepreneurs, and Virgin Unite our entrepreneurial foundation. Working in synergy with various Virgin entities globally, our interests are as diverse as travel, health, music, media, finance, and space. Our unique work culture and purpose unite us.

Virgin StartUp, born out of Virgin’s entrepreneurial spirit in 2013, we’re here to fuel the fire of the next generation of disruptors.  As a not-for-profit, our mission is to propel start-ups to success. We offer advice, funding, mentorship, and training, creating a supportive community for every step of your journey. At Virgin StartUp, we transform business dreams into reality.

Tell me more

Partnership Management & Implementation:

• Develop and execute detailed implementation plans for partnerships, working collaboratively with senior team members to ensure seamless integration across the organisation.
• Take primary responsibility for delivering operational, financial, and partnership KPIs, providing strategic leadership and clear communication to team members.
• Track, report, and optimise partnership performance, identifying and resolving issues proactively while developing strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

New Partnership Opportunities & Business Development:

• Develop a comprehensive Partnership Strategy, identifying brand-enhancing opportunities that align with Virgin StartUp's strategic objectives.
• Conduct detailed analysis of potential partnerships, evaluating financial and non-financial benefits and risks, and lead outreach, discussions, and negotiations.
• Create and implement business development tools, including pitch decks, partnership playbooks, and standard templates, working with the Virgin Legal Team to establish partnership agreements.

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Develop and manage partnership budgets, monitoring revenues and costs to ensure financial performance meets agreed targets.
• Provide monthly operational performance reports, highlighting risks and supporting re-forecasting efforts.
• Ensure financial transparency and accountability across partnership initiatives.

Future Opportunities:

• Maintain a real-time view of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, continuously identifying and evaluating potential partnership and business development opportunities.
• Translate new partnership proposals into detailed project strategies and delivery plans that support business objectives.
• Produce comprehensive progress reports covering status, issues, risks, and costs.

What you’ll need

• Strong experience in partnership management, business development, account management and / or relationship management.
• Strong commercial acumen and exceptional negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, building confidence through excellent interpersonal and communication capabilities.
• Highly organised with proven ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and take strategic initiative.
• An understanding of the UK's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with connections across supporting businesses and startup environments is a bonus but not essential.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, such as Salesforce, is a bonus but not essential.

The extra details

Role type: Permanent
Location: London hub & your home space. While the Virgin StartUp team comes together monthly in our office, this role requires frequent travel to London for in-person partner meetings and events.
Salary: £55,000 - £62,000 plus bonus - We're putting our salaries out there for everyone to see - no smoke and mirrors, just honest numbers. We'll offer a salary that matches your skills, always aiming for room to grow.
Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working. Let us know what hours empower you to be at your best both professionally and personally, we’ll try to find a perfect match for you and us.

Benefits: Buckle up for an adventure with Virgin! Our benefits package isn't just a list - it's your ticket to an extraordinary career and life. Imagine unlimited leave for your globe-trotting dreams, a "Screw it, let's do it pot" to enjoy being you, and a learning budget to fuel your curiosity. We've got your back with top-notch health care, family support that goes the extra mile, and a pension plan to keep your future bright. From electric vehicles to flexible volunteering, we're not just offering a job - we're inviting you to join a community that celebrates your whole self.
Closing date: 19February 2025

Some of the attributes that define a Virgin person just can’t be quantified in words. We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Most recently, we successfully campaigned to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ as a skill on LinkedIn. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce. If there is something you would like us to consider, to tailor the hiring process to the way you work best, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin's got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!