Partnerships Lead

Description We're putting together a talented team to build the #1 training platform for Runners. We help everyday runners become outstanding by building an incredible app providing world‑class training coaching and community for everyone whether you're improving your 5k time or training for your first marathon. We're growing extremely fast In November 2023 we closed a $6.5M funding round led by JamJar with participation from Eka Ventures, Venrex and Creator. In 2024 we were selected by Apple as one of three global finalists for the 2024 iPhone App of the Year reflecting the innovation and impact of what we've built & now in 2025 we have been acquired by Strava Our ambition is huge: to become the go‑to global leading training platform for millions of runners everywhere. With the recent acquisition by Strava accelerating our journey, now is a really magical time to join. The Team You'll Join As a growing team, Partnerships play a central role in Runna's mission to expand globally through impactful collaborations. We work with leading fitness brands, global tech platforms and major race organisers to bring Runna to new audiences across the UK and EMEA. With partnerships established as one of our key growth drivers, the team is focused on scaling our reach, building meaningful relationships and delivering value for both our partners and our community. What You'll Be Doing We're seeking an experienced strategic and driven leader to own and scale our UK/EMEA partnership channel – one of Runna's most important growth areas. Based in London (3 days per week in‑office) you’ll be responsible for setting the strategy, growing the team and driving commercial success across the region. 1) Develop and Execute the UK/EMEA Partnerships Strategy Shape and drive the UK & EMEA partnerships strategy in alignment with Runna's global growth ambitions. Work closely with the global teams to ensure a consistent, impactful approach across regions. Identify and target key UK/European partners across events, fitness brands and tech companies. Collaborate cross‑functionally (events, social, product) to integrate partnerships into key races and digital campaigns. 2) Win New Partnerships and Maximise Existing Relationships Secure new high‑value UK partnerships with fitness brands, events and tech companies. Manage existing relationships with excellence, ensuring our current partners (e.g. Lululemon, Motive, US major race partners) feel supported and engaged. Lead commercial negotiations delivering maximum ROI and long‑term value. Be the key escalation point for UK partners, ensuring flawless delivery of partnership activations. 3) Lead and Scale the UK/EMEA Partnerships Team Manage, mentor and grow a high‑performing UK partnerships team (currently 3 team members). Set clear strategic structure and targets for the team as we move to a more verticalised model. Act as a hiring manager, building out the team as we scale further. Maintain very high standards across delivery, reporting and partner satisfaction. Serve as a culture carrier, bringing energy, empathy and excellence to the team. Requirements 5 years of partnerships experience in a commercial role. Proven track record managing external/internal stakeholders at a senior level. Experience winning, growing and delivering high‑value partnerships. Experience managing and scaling a team (must have led 2 people previously). Strong commercial acumen with confidence leading negotiations and owning P&L. Skilled in CRM systems, asset tracking and data analysis (Google Sheets / Excel). A hands‑on leader who gets things done – you’re both strategic and operational. Highly organised, efficient and able to juggle multiple priorities. A strong communicator who can build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. London‑based, commuting into the office at least 3 days per week. Bonus Additional language skills to help support our international growth. Benefits Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 per year, depending on experience, plus participation in Strava's long‑term incentive (stock) programmes. Flexible working – typically spend 3 days a week together in our Vauxhall office. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (which you can take whenever suits you). Runna subscriptions for you and 5 of your friends. Strava membership. Headspace membership. Annual stipend to spend on gear, events and the gym. Voucher for Runna kit, renewed each year on your work anniversary. Private health insurance with Bupa and workplace pension scheme. Modern Health – a mental wellness platform and app that combines technology with professional support. Carrot fertility support – inclusive fertility, hormonal health and family‑forming benefits. Our Interview Process Screening call with Emily, Head of Talent (25‑minute video call). Intro call with Katie, Head of Partnerships (25‑minute video call). Take‑Home Task and interview with Katie and Josh (50‑minute video call). Final round: London office visit (1h30 in‑person). People & Team Round: chat with Millie (Head of People) and Sarah (US Partnerships Lead) – 20 minutes each – and meet with Josh, Katie and the rest of the UK team. How to Apply Please apply through our Workable career hub. We cannot accept applications outside of Workable. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please email career@runna.com. You can find more information on our careers page: Runna Careers. We are unfortunately unable to sponsor for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr