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.