Strategic Partnerships & Projects Lead
Reporting to: Global Head of Ops
Location: London, UK
At mcl, we help small and medium-sized businesses access the capital they need to grow – quickly, clearly, and with care. Since 2018, we’ve supported thousands of SMEs across the UK, and we’re not slowing down.
We believe finance should work better for the people building our economy. That means fewer hurdles, faster answers, and support that feels human, not transactional. We back ambition with real funding, smart tools, and a team that gets what running a business really takes.
Our model puts people over paperwork. We work with brokers and with business owners to deliver funding that fits – without the faff. As we grow, we’re expanding our reach, recently launching mcl UAE and tools like LendPair, helping even more businesses find the right path to finance.
Our mission
To reshape SME finance and level the playing field – funding that’s fast, fair, and fits for the businesses of the future.
Our G.E.M.S values
G – Growth
Not just business growth – personal growth, team growth, process growth. We level up.
E – Enthusiasm
No fake hype. Just energy, urgency, and actually giving a toss.
M – Maintaining Accountability
Own your actions and interactions. If it’s off, say it. If it’s broken, fix it.
S – Seeing Strategically
Eyes on the big picture. Help us make smarter long-term moves.
THE ROLE
As a Strategic Partnerships & Projects Lead, you will be responsible for identifying and engaging high-value partnership opportunities that drive referrals, accreditations and broader business development, while also supporting the delivery of key strategic initiatives across the organisation. The role combines external relationship building with internal ownership of project execution, systems and operational support.
This role suits a commercially astute operator who can move from strategy to execution, manage senior relationships and deliver complex initiatives with structure and pace.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership identification, engagement and execution
* Proactively identify and evaluate partnership opportunities aligned with priorities set by senior leadership
* Research and prioritise target organisations for referral, accreditation and strategic collaboration
* Engage prospective partners through structured outreach and relationship building
* Support the design and execution of partnership frameworks, agreements and support broader go-to-market initiatives
* Support the full partnership lifecycle from origination to implementation
* Monitor performance and continuously refine partnership strategy to maximise commercial impact
Project delivery and operational support
* Support end-to-end delivery of priority strategic projects, ensuring clear scope, timelines and accountability
* Own and optimise CRM platforms and project management tools to support operations
* Establish governance, reporting and tracking frameworks across projects
* Support the implementation of process improvements that strengthen operations
* Liaise with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient execution and alignment in line with targets set by senior management
Our Offer?
* A fast, focused environment where your impact is immediate
* Ownership over your work and a voice in how we improve
* Opportunities to grow with a company that’s scaling quickly
* A team that values clarity, pace, and practical thinking
* Competitive salary and path for progression
* A chance to contribute to a mission driven company
Think you’re a fit? Let’s talk.