Partnership Manager

Applied; Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in sports and health is looking for a Partnership Manager to oversee relationships with partners and support the development of local initiatives. The role involves project management for various programs aimed at increasing participation in physical activities. Candidates should have relevant degrees and experience in partnership development, along with strong communication skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary starting from £29,094, and numerous benefits including annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

6% pension contribution

27 days annual leave

Flexible working patterns

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in partnership development or project management in a relevant setting.
• Experience in developing and nurturing relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends in sport and physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with partners and promote collaboration.
• Lead project management for Sport England initiatives.
• Prepare performance and financial reports.

Skills

Partnership development

Project management

Communication skills

Funding knowledge

Event planning

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Employment Type Full time Fixed Term for 12 months

Location Hybrid ·United Kingdom(multiple locations) Royal Leamington Spa · Warwickshire · Solihull · Coventry 2 days office (Leamington Spa) per week plus 3 days out meeting partners and homebased as required

Salary Starting from £29,094 (GBP) 5% employer pension contribution, 27 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays plus others

Seniority Mid-level

• Closing: 5:00pm, 18th Feb 2026 GMT

Job Description

The main responsibilities of this role are:

Relationship Management

To act as the lead and relationship manager with partners on behalf of Think Active Lead, or support the development of local partnerships and networks promoting collaboration across all relevant sectors

Raise awareness of funding opportunities available to increase participation in sport and physical activity.

Lead, or support, on the development of local place partnerships that align multiple agendas with partners from across different sectors and advocate for the benefits of physical activity.

Project Management

To act as the lead for Sport England and other projects and initiatives managed by Think Active.

High-quality project management that ensures the project's aims are clear, that they are delivered on time and on budget and in line with our values.

Effective delivery of the Think Active, #WeThinkActive strategy, through your contribution as a team member of Think Active and with and through partners.

Tangibly contribute to the increase in participation in sport and physical activity and address wider social needs through creative and innovative approaches and partnerships.

Seek out opportunities to generate income and contribute to Think Active business development and income generation targets both for the organisation and for local partners.

Use robust data and insight to co-design, implement and evaluate innovative. and appropriate projects and initiatives.

Prepare detailed performance and financial reports for your work.

Adhere to GDPR and data protection through your planning, implementation and communication.

Plan, implement and in accordance with funding guidance, financial procedures, and policies, take responsibility for diversifying Think Active’s income streams in line with the strategy and business development plan

Project and budget management, including forecasting, monitoring of income and expenditure, plus the submission of financial reporting

Demonstrating Impact

Reporting progress and capturing value through case studies and evaluation processes designed to evidence the impact

Storytelling – the ability to articulate the impact and value of Think Active (locally, regionally, nationally and across various sectors)

Marketing and Communications

By strategically cultivating and managing partnerships, you will play an important role in building brand visibility and enhancing Think Active’s marketing and communications efforts.

You will collaborate with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to create compelling narratives that showcase the impact of our projects and initiatives, driving awareness and engagement.

By leveraging partnerships, the Partnership Manager will contribute to positioning Think Active in promoting health and well-being through innovative and impactful physical activity projects, initiatives and collaborations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Core Values

Ability to promote and manage diversity and demonstrate a fair and ethical approach in all situations

A team player who can communicate and work effectively within a team environment

Demonstrate kindness, consideration, appreciation, and acceptance (and you should expect the same in return).

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Qualifications

Relevant degree or equivalent or experience qualification in business, health, sport, physical activity or a related field

Knowledge / Experience

Proven experience in partnership development or comparable role (including project management) within a sport, physical activity, health, charity, nonprofit or similar setting. We are particularly interested in those with experience in the Health Sector.

Track record of delivering successful individual, team, and partnership outcomes

Experience in developing, managing and nurturing relationships with partners and stakeholders

Knowledge of issues facing the least active in society and the benefits of physical activity

Knowledge of the local community and stakeholders in Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire

Previous experience with fundraising and grant applications

Experience in event planning and delivery

Knowledge of local and national strategies and policies relating to sport, physical activity, and health promotion

Knowledge of current trends and innovations in sport and physical activity participation and promotion

Knowledge of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable people in sport.

Knowledge of current legislation related to health, community, and sport agendas.

Experience in drafting, implementing, and reporting on strategic development plans and policies in partnership with partners, stakeholders, and people.

Experience in planning and managing significant budgets related to priorities and meeting the requirements of funding agencies or partner organisations.

Skills & Abilities

Ability to successfully lead or manage and motivate individuals and a project team

Ability to develop and implement effective partnership strategies

Well-developed written and verbal communication skills and the ability to motivate, enthuse, persuade, negotiate, and influence.

Strategic, critical thinking and decision-making skills

The ability to be well organised, work on your own initiative and across a broad portfolio, successfully managing a range of projects, partners, and budgets often with conflicting deadlines and priorities.

Computer literate across a range of platforms (we use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project)

Presentation skills with the ability to facilitate group sessions and workshops

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Strong work ethic and have the willingness to go above and beyond.

Professional, supportive and always respect confidentiality.

Able to reflect on your own performance and want to improve, can take and welcome feedback, and embrace improvement areas through self-development, training, and professional development

TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS

Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends.

Ability to travel across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, and wider across the West Midlands and nationally as required,

Think Active’s main headquarters are in Leamington Spa, with work also taking place across Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We operate a blended working model that includes home working, office attendance, and travel to meetings as required. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet the organisation's needs.

ABOUT THINK ACTIVE

Think Active is a charity and the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. Funded primarily by Sport England, we are one of 42 Active Partnerships in England.

Understanding the unique attributes and challenges within Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, we work collaboratively with our network of local partners to help create the right conditions for those facing the greatest inequalities to have access to movement, sport and physical activity, in a way that works for them.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THINK ACTIVE

· Pension contribution of 6%.

· 27 days annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays.

· Agile and flexible working, with a blended approach to home, office, and remote working.

· Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick leave policies.

· Contribution to the cost of eye tests.

· Commitment to professional development and training.

· Cycle to Work Scheme.

As a values and people-driven organisation, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer, and we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining Think Active.

If you would like an informal conversation about this role before applying or if you would like to discuss any requirements or adjustments you mayrequirethroughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact us by email - [e-mail]