Head of Partnerships

Head of Partnerships (Remote, South East England)

The Regional Head of Partnerships is the ambassador for Primary Engineer within their region, representing the organisation across industry, government, and education networks. The role combines partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and public advocacy to secure long-term, multi-year funding that enables Primary Engineer, to reach more schools and communities.

We're seeking an outstanding individual to join the team to cover the 'South East' region, which includes London, southeast and eastern England. This is a remote-first role with regional, and occasional national travel, best suited to someone based within the area.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Growth & Income Generation

• Develop and manage a portfolio of funding partners to achieve target annual income.
• Secure multi-year partnerships with regional and organisations.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through events, referrals, and networking and outreach.
• Develop a robust regional pipeline and maintain accurate CRM tracking.

Relationship Stewardship

• Build enduring partnerships that align mutual objectives and demonstrate impact.
• Act as the internal advocate for partners, ensuring their priorities are understood across Primary Engineer's teams.
• Deliver exceptional stewardship and partner satisfaction leading to high renewal rates.

Representation & Advocacy

• Represent Primary Engineer as a credible and passionate ambassador across public forums, panels, and conferences.
• Host and speak at regional celebration events, awards, and exhibitions.
• Advocate for early-years engineering engagement and communicate its social and economic value to industry audiences.
• Occasionally participate in school or community events to connect partners with the impact of their support.

Bid & Grant Development

• Research, prepare, and submit regional bids and funding proposals.
• Collaborate with national and impact teams to evidence outcomes and produce compelling narratives.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Work closely with national colleagues in partnerships, communications, and delivery to ensure joined-up strategy and messaging.
• Maintain accurate records, forecasts, and reports for regional activity.
• Share partner insights and success stories to support marketing, PR, and impact reporting.

Performance Indicators

• Annual income secured.
• New partner conversion rate.
• Existing partner retention rate.
• Pipeline coverage.
• Event attendance and speaking engagements.
• Partner satisfaction and qualitative feedback.

Skills & Attributes

• Relationship builder with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confident public speaker and brand ambassador.
• Empathetic listener and storyteller who can connect engineering education to business purpose.
• Persistent, patient, and strategic in developing long-term partnerships.
• Comfortable engaging everyone from CEOs to apprentices and pupils.
• Naturally curious about technology, innovation, and how engineering changes the world.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Collaborative, self-motivated, and adaptable.

Experience

Essential:

• Proven success in partnership development, fundraising, or membership sales.
• Experience managing corporate or institutional accounts.
• Skilled networker comfortable in varied professional settings.
• Confident presenting to senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience in STEM, education, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Knowledge of CSR, ESG, social value or skills pipeline initiatives.
• Experience in bid or grant writing.
• A strong regional industrial network.

Working Pattern & Travel

37.5 hours per week (08:30–16:30 with 30-minute lunch break).

Home-based with regional travel (~25–30% of time) and occasional overnight stays.

Attendance at regional and national events.

Regular online collaboration with national team colleagues.

Package & Benefits

Salary: £40,000.

Pension, Life Insurance, Health Cash Plan, Company Sick Pay, Cycle Scheme.

29 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus one additional day per year of service (up to 5 years).

Flexible, supportive working culture with strong purpose and social impact.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free or subsidised travel
• Life insurance
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Please outline your experience in partnership development, fundraising, or corporate account management.
• Tell us about a corporate or institutional partnership you've managed; what was your role?
• Where are you currently based, and how easily can you travel across the South East?
• Are you able to travel regularly across the South East and occasionally nationwide?
• Briefly describe your existing professional network in the South East (industry, education, or public sector).
• Give an example of when you've presented to senior stakeholders or represented your organisation publicly.
• Have you written or contributed to successful bids, tenders, or grant applications? If yes, please give one example.
• What CRM systems or tools have you used to manage partnerships or track income pipelines?
• Do you have experience working in or with the STEM, education, or not-for-profit sectors? If yes, please specify.
• Do you have the right to work in the UK?

Work Location: Remote