Head of Strategic Partnerships – Leading Military Charity
Hybrid | Near Regent's Park, London
The Organisation
Elite Employee is proud to be partnering exclusively with one of the UK's most respected military charities at an exciting stage of their development. With growing demand for their services and an ambitious strategy for the years ahead, they are now looking to appoint an exceptional Head of Strategic Partnerships to lead and significantly grow their corporate partnerships function.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position with genuine strategic scope. Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a commercially-minded, Social Value-driven partnership strategy across Defence, aerospace, engineering, technology and other aligned sectors.
Your remit will span new business development, relationship stewardship, team leadership and cross-organisational influence — with a clear mandate to secure significant multi-year income and position the organisation as the partner of choice across the Defence and corporate sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Income Growth
You will lead the development and delivery of a partnership strategy designed to secure substantial multi-year income across target sectors. Working both individually and through your team, you will be expected to achieve and exceed ambitious income targets across Social Value, commercial partnerships, sponsorship, in-kind value and philanthropic support.
Social Value & Commercial Partnerships
A central element of this role is developing and leading the organisation's Social Value offer, positioning it effectively within MOD and wider public-sector procurement frameworks. You will work directly with corporate bid teams to integrate the charity's wellbeing, youth, mental health and community outcomes into tender submissions — strengthening their Social Value scoring while building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
You will also identify and develop commercially viable partnership products, including programme sponsorships, corporate membership, paid-for wellbeing or youth interventions and innovation pilots.
Relationship Management & New Business Development
You will build, steward and grow a portfolio of high-value strategic corporate partnerships, securing six- and seven-figure, long-term commitments. Your new business targets will include Defence primes, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, aviation and engineering companies, and ESG-driven corporates — with a focus on depth and longevity over transactional engagement.
Team Leadership & Cross-Organisational Influence
You will provide clear leadership, coaching and accountability for the Strategic Partnerships team, while working collaboratively across Welfare, Strategy & Impact, Communications, Finance and RAF Engagement functions to develop compelling, evidence-based partnership propositions. You will represent the Director of Fundraising at senior level when required.
Insight & Market Leadership
You will maintain a strong awareness of developments in Social Value policy, MOD procurement, ESG, Defence industry trends and corporate partnership innovation — translating these into actionable strategy and helping to position the organisation as a recognised sector leader.
What We're Looking For
Essential
* A demonstrable track record of delivering significant income or partnership results, with clear evidence of exceeding targets or driving step-change growth
* Senior-level experience in corporate partnerships, commercial development, business development or Social Value/ESG-driven relationship management, ideally in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment
* Experience developing and delivering strategic plans that generate income, influence and long-term partnership value
* Proven ability to manage and influence senior external stakeholders, including C-suite, procurement, CSR/ESG and bid teams
* Strong people leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams
* The credibility and communication skills to represent the organisation confidently at the highest levels, internally and externally
Desirable
* Knowledge of Social Value frameworks, public-sector procurement or Defence-industry partnership models
* Experience working within or alongside Defence, aviation, engineering or technology sectors
* Experience developing commercial propositions such as sponsorship arrangements, paid services or co-funded programmes
* Financial management, forecasting and budget oversight experience
* Fundraising qualification or degree-level education
The Package
Full remuneration details will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates. The package is competitive for a senior leadership role of this nature and includes a strong benefits offering, generous annual leave, a significant employer pension contribution and hybrid working from offices near Regent's Park, London.
This role requires a willingness to travel nationally and to work outside standard office hours on occasion.
Elite Employee is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy