Business Development & Partnership Manager Independent Schools

Business Development & Partnership Manager - UK Independent Schools
Join a Global Leader in Educational Interior Design

We're seeking an exceptional Business Development & Partnership Manager to join our clients award-winning consultancy in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter.

The Role
Lead strategic expansion into the UK independent schools sector – a market of approximately 2,600 institutions with distinct requirements and extraordinary potential. You'll join our accomplished team of 40 specialists who have collectively specified more than 15 million items of FF&E worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to build partnerships with independent schools, educational associations, and key stakeholders
• Create and manage financially beneficial partnership proposals that drive long-term growth
• Pursue opportunities for collaborative projects, service agreements, and co-branded initiatives
• Align partnership activities with company-wide objectives to maximise brand impact
• Business Growth & Revenue Generation
• Identify and engage potential partners within the independent school community
• Leverage partnerships to drive revenue through targeted promotion of our services
• Work collaboratively with sales, marketing, and operations teams to align partnership efforts with broader business strategies

Market Intelligence & Industry Engagement

• Conduct detailed market research into independent school sector trends and service needs
• Monitor competitor activities and industry developments to maintain our competitive edge
• Represent our client at industry events, conferences, and exhibitions
• Build relationships with key decision-makers through networking events and targeted meetings

What Sets Our Client Apart
Market Leaders: Established household name in UK Education sector
Global Portfolio: Extensive experience with independent schools internationally
Diverse Expertise: Currently servicing UK state education, hospitality, leisure, and workplace sectors 
Innovation Hub Prime location in Manchester's creative Northern Quarter
Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working 

The Ideal Candidate
We're seeking someone who combines:
* Proven business development experience, ideally within education or design sectors
* Deep understanding of the independent school sector's unique requirements
* Outstanding relationship-building and networking abilities
* Strategic thinking with commercial acumen
* Ability to articulate complex design solutions to discerning clients
* Track record of developing and managing successful partnerships
* Excellence in stakeholder management at all levels

Current Success
You'll be joining a thriving team that has:
* Established strong partnerships across UK state education
* Delivered successful projects in hospitality and leisure sectors
* Secured prestigious contracts with government bodies including MOD and MOJ
* Built an impressive international portfolio of independent school projects

This is a rare opportunity to pioneer our expansion into one of education's most prestigious sectors while being backed by our client's established reputation and proven expertise.

Benefits
* Competitive salary package
* Opportunity to shape a key growth sector
* Work with industry-leading experts
* Professional development opportunities
* Modern office in Manchester's creative hub
* Flexible working arrangements

Ready to transform the landscape of independent school design? Join an award-winning consultancy in Manchester's Northern Quarter and be part of something extraordinary. Send your CV and covering letter.