Job Title: Head of Partnerships (North Region)
Location: Hybrid – York, Manchester or Newcastle (with Home Working)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Overview
Our client, a national public body responsible for championing and protecting England’s historic environment, is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to join as Head of Partnerships (North Region).
This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing grant giving, partnership development, and business management functions across northern England. You will lead multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams, ensuring the effective delivery of grant programmes, strong regional partnerships, and compliance with governance and operational standards.
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape heritage investment, strengthen external partnerships, and drive inclusive and sustainable outcomes across the region.
Responsibilities
* Lead and oversee grant-giving programmes across northern England, ensuring strategic alignment and effective delivery.
* Build and develop confident, resilient Partnership Teams that champion heritage and convene external partners across the region.
* Develop and manage a robust pipeline of heritage grant projects.
* Provide leadership to Business Management Teams, ensuring compliance with agreed practices, standards, and governance frameworks.
* Strengthen and expand external partnerships to maximise regional impact and collaborative working.
* Drive continuous improvement of internal processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
* Contribute to organisational strategy through strategic thinking and a clear understanding of regional and national priorities.
* Ensure inclusive practices are embedded across grant programmes and partnership activities.
Requirements
* Demonstrable experience in the allocation and delivery of grant funding programmes.
* Proven experience building and managing external partnerships.
* Strong leadership experience managing dispersed and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to see the wider organisational and sector landscape.
* Experience driving continuous improvement across business processes and governance frameworks.
* Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Applications will be assessed against the above criteria.
Benefits
* Generous defined benefit pension scheme with 28.97% employer contribution
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Hybrid and flexible working options, including job share, part-time, and compressed hours (subject to agreement)
* Free entry to heritage sites nationwide
* Health and wellbeing support, including award-winning workplace wellbeing initiatives
* Access to development and progression opportunities
Application Process
Applications are submitted via a structured, behaviour-based recruitment platform designed to reduce bias and improve diversity of hire. Candidates will complete a series of competency-based questions rather than submitting a traditional CV.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (provisional dates: 17th or 25th March 2026).
Our client is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fostering an inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented at this level. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
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