Head of Partnerships - #2101629

This is a business-critical, revenue-generating role. As Head of Partnerships, you'll be responsible for driving commercial revenue, retaining key clients and delivering year-on-year account growth. A strong commercial mindset, proven revenue delivery and the ability to build long-term client partnerships are essential requirements for success in the role.

Through a blend of events and activations to content partnerships, video series, roundtables, newsletters and digital campaigns, you'll work with partners to create compelling multi-channel programmes that deliver value for both our partners and our audience.

Working closely with the Partnerships Director, you'll identify new commercial opportunities, build long-term, trusted relationships with senior decision-makers and develop creative partnership propositions that support ambitious growth plans.

Whether you're opening doors with a new global hotel group or expanding relationships with leading drinks brands, you'll create opportunities for partners to connect with one of the most influential communities in the hospitality industry.

Your impact will be seen in the strength of the partnerships you build, the opportunities you create and the role you play in helping to drive the next chapter of growth for 50 Best.

• Developing and managing new client relationships, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction, retention and sustainable revenue growth.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with market associations and industry bodies, enhancing organisational visibility, credibility and access to new commercial opportunities.
• Owning CRM adoption and data integrity, ensuring pipeline activity is accurately recorded to enable reliable forecasting, performance insight and data-driven decision-making.
• Taking accountability for sales forecasting and pipeline performance, using insight to inform priorities, mitigate risk and support delivery of strategic business objectives.
• Engaging proactively with the market through client meetings, industry events and networking to generate leads, collaborate with industry stakeholders and build a robust, high-quality sales pipeline.
• Representing and promoting the organisation externally, acting as a senior brand ambassador with clients, partners and industry stakeholders, while building understanding of our brands and offering.
• Managing commercial activity, monitoring performance against revenue targets and taking corrective action where required.
• Developing and implementing creative, innovative sales and go-to-market strategies, adapting approaches to client needs, market conditions and commercial priorities.
• Creating and delivering high-quality sales proposals, sponsorship materials and commercial presentations, articulating clear value propositions and competitive differentiation.
• Applying deep product, market and competitor knowledge to position offerings effectively, act as a trusted adviser and secure competitive advantage.
• Travel internationally as required to develop relationships with key clients, attend industry events and explore new market opportunities.

• Significant experience developing strategic partnerships and driving commercial growth within a premium media, events, hospitality, travel, luxury or lifestyle environment. Ideally, you've worked with globally recognised brands and understand how to build long-term, high-value partnerships.
• A proven track record of identifying, developing and securing new business opportunities, with the commercial acumen to translate market opportunities into sustainable revenue growth.
• Experience creating and delivering integrated partnership programmes spanning events, activations, sponsorships, content, digital and multimedia channels.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders and develop trusted partnerships that deliver long-term value.
• Experience developing commercial strategies, setting direction and taking ownership for delivering against growth targets.
• Confidence creating and presenting compelling commercial proposals, sponsorship packages and partnership solutions tailored to partner objectives.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence, persuade and represent brands confidently at every level.
• Experience using CRM platforms, sales management tools and forecasting processes to manage pipeline performance and support effective decision-making.
• An understanding and passion for the hospitality, food, drink, travel or luxury sectors, with an ability to identify emerging opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions.
• A collaborative, proactive approach combined with the creativity to develop innovative partnership ideas and the commercial discipline to deliver results.

• 6.6 weeks of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time). The equivalent to 25 days plus standard England and Wales bank holidays for full-time colleagues
• One additional day holiday per year after 6 years’ service, up to a maximum 7.6 weeks of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time). The equivalent to 30 days plus standard England and Wales bank holidays for full-time colleagues
• A holiday purchase scheme, allowing employees to purchase up to 3 additional days of annual leave and spread the cost over up to 6 months
• An additional day of paid leave, a ‘MeDay’, allowing you the flexibility to celebrate a cultural or religious event or your birthday. It recognises that everyone’s background is unique and gives you the freedom to mark what matters to you.
• One paid volunteering day per year to support a charity or community initiative of your choice
• Hybrid and agile working opportunities (role dependent)
• Enhanced Pension Contributions, we offer employer pension contributions above the statutory minimum
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Group Income Protection
• Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements
• Wellbeing benefits, including: A health care cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Virtual GP service and access to health & wellbeing resources and tools
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, supported by employee-led networks and proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer
• Cycle to Work Scheme (subject to satisfactory completion of probationary period)
• Electric Car Scheme (subject to satisfactory completion of probationary period)