New Partner Development Manager
Full time – Permanent
Hybrid working based in Leeds or London.
Direct Line is evolving. Across every part of our business, teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re already part of Direct Line or thinking about joining us, you’ll have the chance not only to be recognised for your skills, but also to build on them and be empowered to do your very best.
What you’ll be doing:
1. Drive the acquisition of new partnerships across fleet operators, OEMs, leasing companies, rentalbusinessesand mobility platforms.
• Build, progress and convert a qualified pipeline while developing commercially robust proposals with the Partnerships Commercial Manager that align to pricing guardrails and deliver profitable growth.
• Lead day-to-day onopportunities, including deciding whether to pursue or pause mid-market deals, and recommending next steps on larger, more complex opportunities.
• Agree commercial terms within established parameters, escalating any exceptions through theappropriate approvalprocess.
• Lead external engagement with fleet directors, transportmanagersand procurement teams at partnerorganisations, managing relationships and running structured pursuits including bid/no-bid reviews, dealassessmentsand governance checkpoints.
• Work with the Partnerships Commercial Manager to shape partner proposals — carrying out needs analysis, building value cases, agreeing pricing within guardrails, preparing term sheets, and supporting negotiation preparation whererequired.
• Produce high-quality proposals,presentationsand executive briefings to support partner conversations and internal decision-making.
• Produce clear deal documentation, including internal summaries with volumes, pricing and key assumptions, and term sheets whererequired, ensuring downstream teams have the information needed for onboarding and delivery.
• Complete governance requirements, including NDAs, duediligenceand background checks, issuing standard documents directly and working with Legal and Compliance teams when needed.
• Keep opportunity recordsaccurateand current, provideforecastsand risk updates, and share competitor and market insights to support sector planning.
Our hybrid model offers a 'best of both worlds' approach. When you'll be in the office depends on your role and team but we are working towards 50% time in the office for 2026.
What you'll need:
2. A track recordof winning B2B deals in fleet, automotive, leasing, rental,telematicsor mobility — selling products or services to businesses thatoperatevehicles.
3. Confidence engaging fleet directors, transportmanagersand procurement teams; comfortable in relationship-led sales cycles.
4. Strong commercial acumen, with a clear understanding of pricing, margin and what makes a deal worth doing.
5. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear,conciseand executive-ready documentation.
6. Highlyorganisedand able to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously,maintainingstrong pipeline discipline.
7. No insurance backgroundrequired—we'llteach you the product.
Desirable
8. Previousexperience at a breakdown provider, leasing company, OEM fleetdivisionor fleet software business.
9. Existing network in UK fleet or automotive.
Benefits
We recognise we wouldn't be where we are today without our colleagues, that's why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:
· 9% employer contributed pension
· 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free Green Flag breakdown cover
· Additional optional Health and Dental insurance
· EV car scheme
· Generous holidays
· Buy as you earn share scheme
· Employee discounts and cashback
· Plus, many more
We want everyone to get the most out of their time at Direct Line. Which is why we've looked beyond the financial rewards and created an offer that takes your whole life into account. Supporting our people to work at their best – whatever that looks like — and offering real choice, flexibility, and a greater work-life balance that means our people have time to focus on the things that matter most to them. Our benefits are about more than just the money you earn. They're about recognising who you are and the life you live.
Be yourself
Direct Line is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We're delighted to feature as one of the UK's Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers.
We know you're more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CL3