Head of Strategic Partnerships
Full time hours (however there can be some flexibility for the right candidate).
Salary: Competitive + OTE + Benefits.
Distinct Cremations, Cannock, Staffordshire - Hybrid work is available; depending on your location this could be remote with ad hoc travel to the office.
Initial 6 month FTC with scope for permanent opportunity.
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly commercial and hands‑on business development leader with a proven track record of originating and closing strategic partnerships within Insurance/financial services, specifically across IFA distribution channels.
This is a high‑impact, hands‑on role with real ownership — you will be responsible for building a new revenue channel from the ground up, working directly with the Managing Director.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the identification, negotiation and activation of institutional and intermediary partnerships.
* Build a scalable third‑party distribution model and a partner pipeline across IFAs, banks and building societies.
* Shape Distinct’s partner distribution strategy and channel economics in collaboration with the Managing Director and executive team.
* Own revenue targets and commercial performance for partner‑led distribution.
* Develop and deliver partner value propositions aligned to partner needs, customer outcomes and regulatory context.
* Collaborate closely with marketing, product, legal, compliance and operations to onboard, launch and activate partners effectively.
* Ensure partnerships are operationally viable, compliant and deliver a high‑quality customer experience.
* Track and report pipeline, conversion and performance metrics to the executive team.
* Establish foundations for a scalable partner model with potential to build a small team as volumes grow.
Success Metrics (first 12 months)
* Material impact on revenue growth and the long‑term distribution model of the business.
* A clearly defined and prioritised partner pipeline across IFAs.
* Signed distribution agreements with high‑quality partners – at least one in each channel.
* Early revenue flowing through partner channels, with clear unit economics and scalability.
* Credibility established with senior external stakeholders and internally across product, marketing and operations.
* A repeatable partnership model that can be scaled and supported by additional resources over time.
Qualifications & Experience
* Previous experience in a senior business development management role specifically building and growing strategic partnerships with IFA networks.
* Comfortable working in an FCA regulated sector (e.g., funeral plans, insurance plans / financial services).
* Proven track record of originating and closing complex B2B or B2B2C partnerships.
* Experience working with IFAs, financial institutions or similarly structured intermediaries.
* Experience working in growth businesses, scale‑ups or transformation contexts is strongly preferred.
* Strong commercial judgement and commercial negotiation capability.
* Credible and confident with senior stakeholders; structured, resilient and persistent, able to manage long sales cycles.
* Hands‑on, delivery focused mindset with low tolerance for ambiguity.
* Collaborative and pragmatic, able to get things done across functions.
* Must be able to pass a DBS (criminal record) check.
Benefits
* 33 days holiday (includes bank holidays) pro rata.
* Life Assurance.
* Choice between 7 % employer pension contribution or 5 % contribution + private healthcare cover (Bupa).
* Ongoing learning & development.
* Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing support.
* Mindfulness App.
* Mental Health Ambassadors.
* Free Cremation benefit for immediate family.
* Bereavement Leave.
* Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
* Employee Assistance / Occupational health support program.
* Recognition scheme: Above & Beyond vouchers.
* Free flu jab.
* Free parking.
Location & Working Arrangements
Hybrid workforce; remote work is available depending on your location with occasional travel to the office.
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