Lifelong Learning

DescriptionRole: Lifelong Learning & Partnerships StrategistSalary: GradeContract Type: Full Time (1 FTE) Fixed Term (Until July 2026)Organisation Name: Heriot-Watt OnlineAbout our Directorate and TeamHeriot-Watt University has a proud 25-year legacy of delivering world-class online and distance learning. Today over 6500 students from 160 countries study with us online or as a graduate apprentice - making up more than 25% of our total student body.We are now entering an ambitious phase of investment and growth for Heriot-Watt Online with a bold 10-year strategy to expand our reach and a world where the nature of work is evolving rapidly we are committed to delivering flexible accessible and career-focused education at scale - empowering individuals and organisations to thrive in times of transformation.Purpose of RoleThe Lifelong Learning & Partnerships Strategist is responsible for growing B2B sales of HW Online programmes. They will set the vision and strategy and drive execution for HW Onlines commercial partnership activity defining our propositions and go-to-market strategy in order to deliver on ambitious fee income and reputation targets.The postholder will be responsible for building a pipeline and negotiating new anchor commercial partnerships with a strong focus on employers. They will also lead a team responsible for inbound and outbound prospecting and business development in the UK and wider markets.All our programmes operate in increasingly competitive markets. The postholder provides strategic insight and thought leadership for the development of HW Onlines commercial partnerships strategy playing a key role in driving innovation and ensuring our offer evolves to meet the changing needs and expectations of students and employers across the globe.Summary of Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and ManagementAccountable for the strategic planning of HW Onlines commercial partnership strategy leading the development of a go-to-market strategy and business plan for B2B and enterprise channels.Develop strategic propositions which will enable HW Online to grow enrolments for degrees and courses through relationships with employers membership bodies and other potential strategic partners (including upskill and reskill tuition as a benefit etc).Improve the quality and differentiation of HW Online programmes by identifying opportunities for employers to support HW Online including advising on industry need curriculum design contributing content/authentic business projects or careers opportunities.Lead line manage motivate and coach the HW Online partnerships team creating a culture and working environment to drive growth and facilitate high performance.Prioritise markets/sectors to grow B2B sales of HW Online programmes and the development of a target list of potential cliets. Oversee the inbound and outbound prospecting and interaction with potential partners with the goal of generating high quality sales leads.Set targets objectives and KPIs for Partnerships team activity aligned to the overall HW Online strategy and communicate these to relevant stakeholders.Analyse pipeline data to provide accurate monthly/quarterly/annual forecasts.Proactively monitor competitor activity and market trends and make recommendations to inform strategy and gain competitive advantage and increase market share accordingly.Raise awareness of HW Onlines name expertise experience and capabilities in key industry forums and trade media in the UK and identified target global markets.Employer & Strategic PartnershipsIdentify and qualify potential lead/anchor partners and develop/implement cultivation plans to ensure the most effective approaches are made to secure partnerships.Lead highly impactful sales conversations with the ability to persuade and close new business and establish a strong relationship to drive repeat business.Negotiate partnership terms including agreeing ambition and support to be provided by HWU securing internal support for this where necessary.Stakeholder management and other responsibilitiesBuild close working relationships with relevant academics to facilitate the development of effective partnerships.Where appropriate involve University leadership and academics in partnership activity ensuring they are well briefed and supportedWork with the HW Online Marketing team to oversee a programme of capacity building support and materials for Employer Partners based around the world to ensure effectiveness and consistency in the delivery of marketing activity.Collaborate with the wider HWU community (Graduate Apprenticeships Business and Enterprise Alumni Executive Education Research Engagement Careers etc) to identify opportunities for joint working and to ensure HWU maximises the potential for every relationship.Share knowledge to raise the profile and reputation of HW Online internally and externally.Protect HWUs external reputation and brand by working with colleagues to ensure appropriate due diligence is undertaken on potential partners.Deputise for the CEO of HW Online as required.Education Qualifications & ExperienceThese are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be madeEssentialExcellent knowledge of the online education market and passion for educationTrack record of achieving results in a high growth environment with a commercial focusSignificant account or relationship management experienceAbility to form long-term strategic business relationships and comfort engaging with senior executives Strong networkerAbility to think strategically and tactically and operate in a complex global environmentEducated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplaceDemonstrable experience of managing a teamDemonstrable experience of managing resources workloads and changing priorities for self and othersDemonstrable experience of leading and managing changeEntrepreneurial drive and comfort working autonomously and as part of a team in ambiguous quickly-changing environmentsProven experience of dealing with and leading in uncertainty and ambiguityExcellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skillsExcellent influencing skillsGood track record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers peers stakeholders and othersStrong analytical skills and creative problem solving abilitiesCommercial acumen with strong understanding of financial information and a track record of delivering to financial plans and KPIsFlexible and resilientCollaborative and proactiveFamiliar with using CRM systemsProject management skills including resource management and budgeting.Competencies Tasks and ResponsibilitiesThe tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all leadership roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will perform them to at least an effective standard at all times.Strategic OutlookContribute to the delivery of the University strategy drawing upon and sharing knowledge gained through engagement and close relationships with colleagues to inform and influence decisionsIdentify interpret and translate University Strategies into operational planning and outcomes keeping in mind the bigger picture and the external environmentLeadershipProvide leadership to the team providing line management direction support mentoring and coachingThrough strong leadership and example lead and develop staff to achieve their potential ensuring a clear understanding of their role within the team Directorate and UniversityProvide Subject Matter Expert advice within the team and across the UniversityDeputise for Senior Management where requiredManagement ResponsibilitiesManage the team individually and collectively including setting objectives managing performance attendance capability and developmentManage and monitor the team budget to deliver value for money and fit for purpose resources and facilitiesTeam WorkProactively develop the team and ensure successful collaboration across the Directorate and UniversityBuild visible and effective professional relationships across the University and external stakeholdersContribute to and actively participate in team Directorate and University projectsChampioning ChangeAssess and lead on change management influencing and managing stakeholder expectations.Manage the implications of change on the team maintaining team morale and service levelsDecision MakingProvide high quality value-added analysis and commentary on reports and metricsRepresent the Directorate and University on internal and external committees as appropriatePlanning and OrganisingReview and revise team structure and workload allocation/priorities as requiredInitiative and Problem SolvingContribute to governance and risk management within the DirectorateCollaborate with peers to resolve university-wide challengesService ExcellenceProvide clear leadership to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of a high-quality service developing high professional standards and excellent customer serviceEnsure delivery of the service within agreed service levelsComply with University Policies when managing or processing personal and other confidential information at all timesDevelop and review service levels metrics and feedback ensuring consistency and continuous improvement of serviceEnsure timely accurate and informative provision of statutory and other reports and metricsClear and Consistent CommunicationsMaintain confidentiality at all times by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal dataUse appropriate communication methods to ensure key messages and information are disseminated to customersCitizenshipDemonstrate the University Values at all times through leadership performance and behaviourParticipate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal developmentSupport newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support help and adviceProvide mentoring support (informally and formally)Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activitiesBuild partnerships to advance the Universitys strategyThis job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve including objectives to help your career development.How to ApplyPlease submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.Applications must be submitted by midnight onWednesday 19th November 2025.At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. Key Skills Aerospace Engineering,Data Entry,Business Management,Flexcube,Contract Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 58225 - 69488