Brand Partnerships Lead (UK)

Runna; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing fitness technology company in London is seeking a strategic Partnerships Lead to develop and scale the UK EMEA partnerships channel. You will shape strategies, secure high-value relationships, and lead the partnerships team. Applicants should have at least 5 years of partnerships experience, a proven track record with stakeholders, and strong commercial skills. This role offers a salary between £50,000 - £60,000 per year, with flexible working and an array of benefits. Join us at an exciting time of growth and innovation!

Benefits

Flexible working

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Runna subscriptions

Strava membership

Headspace membership

Annual budget for gym or events

Annual voucher for Runna kit

Private health insurance

Workplace pension scheme

Qualifications

• 5 years of partnerships experience in a commercial role.
• Proven track record managing external/internal stakeholders at a senior level.
• Experience winning, growing, and delivering high-value partnerships.
• Experience managing and scaling a team (must have led 2 people previously).
• A hands-on leader who gets things done while being both strategic and operational.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the UK & EMEA partnerships strategy.
• Secure new high-value UK partnerships.
• Manage existing relationships with excellence.
• Lead commercial negotiations for maximum ROI.
• Manage and grow a high-performing partnerships team.

Skills

Partnerships experience

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

CRM systems proficiency

Data analysis

Strong communication

Job description

Description

Were putting together a talented team to build the #1 training platform for Runners

We help everyday runners become outstanding by building an incredible app providing world-class training coaching and community for everyone whether youre improving your 5k time or training for your first marathon.

Were growing extremely fast! In November 2023 we closed a $6.5M funding round led by JamJar with participation from Eka Ventures Venrex and Creator 2024 we were selected by Apple as one of three global finalists for the 2024 iPhone App of the Year reflecting the innovation and impact of what weve built & now in 2025 we have just been acquired by Strava!

Our ambition is huge : to become the go-to global leading training platform for millions of runners everywhere. Were growing with purpose and looking for people who want to build something meaningful with lasting impact. With the recent acquisition by Strava accelerating our journey now is a really magical time to join

The Team Youll Join

As a growing team Partnerships play a central role in Runnas mission to expand globally through impactful collaborations. We work with leading fitness brands global tech platforms and major race organisers to bring Runna to new audiences across the UK and EMEA. With partnerships established as one of our key growth drivers the team is focused on scaling our reach building meaningful relationships and delivering value for both our partners and our community.

What Youll Be Doing

were seeking an experienced strategic and driven leader to own and scale our UK EMEA partnership channel. - one of Runnas most important growth areas. Based in London (3 days per week in-office) youll be responsible for setting the strategy growing the team and driving commercial success across the region.

1) Develop and Execute the UK EMEA Partnerships Strategy

• Shape and drive the UK & EMEA partnerships strategy in alignment with Runnas global growth ambitions.
• Work closely with the global teams to ensure a consistent impactful approach across regions.
• Identify and target key UK / European partners across events fitness brands and tech companies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (events social product) to integrate partnerships into key races and digital campaigns.

2) Win New Partnerships and Maximise Existing Relationships

• Secure new high-value UK partnerships with fitness brands events and tech companies.
• Manage existing relationships with excellence ensuring our current partners (e.g. Lululemon Motiv US major race partners) feel supported and engaged.
• Lead commercial negotiations delivering maximum ROI and long-term value.
• Be the key escalation point for UK partners ensuring flawless delivery of partnership activations.

3) Lead and Scale the UK EMEA Partnerships Team

• Manage mentor and grow a high-performing UK partnerships team (currently 3 team members).
• Set clear strategy structure and targets for the team as we move to a more verticalised model.
• Act as a hiring manager building out the team as we scale further.
• Maintain very high standards across delivery reporting and partner satisfaction.
• Serve as a culture carrier bringing energy empathy and excellence to the team.

Requirements

What Youll Bring To The Team :

• 5 years of partnerships experience in a commercial role
• Proven track record managing external / internal stakeholders at a senior level.
• Experience winning growing and delivering high-value partnerships.
• Experience managing and scaling a team (must have led 2 people previously).
• Strong commercial acumen with confidence leading negotiations and owning P&L.
• Skilled in CRM systems asset tracking and data analysis (Google Sheets / Excel).
• A hands-on leader who gets things done youre both strategic and operational.
• Highly organised efficient and able to juggle multiple priorities.
• A strong communicator who can build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• London-based commuting into the office at least 3 days per week.

Bonus :

• Additional language skills to help support our international growth.

Benefits

Salary and Benefits

Were offering a salary of 50000 - 60000 per year depending on experience plus participation in Stravas long-term incentive (stock) programs. Overview of our benefits are below :

Were also committed to continually evolving our benefits to support you as we grow. Here is a brief overview what we currently offer in the UK

• Flexible working we typically spend 3 days a week together in our Vauxhall office
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (which you can take whenever suits you)
• Runna subscriptions for you and 5 of your friends (get ready to be your friends fave person or save them for xmas presents!)
• Strava membership!
• Headspace membership
• Money every year to spend on gear events and the gym!
• Well give you a voucher to spend on our website so you can buy yourself new Runna kit (and will renew this every year on your work anniversary)
• Private health insurance with Bupa and workplace pension scheme
• Modern Healthis a mental wellness platform and app that combines technology with professional support to improve mental well-being and reduce stress
• Carrot fertility support- this benefits provider can provide inclusive fertility hormonal health and family-forming benefits to our global employee population and takes the burden off what we know can be a stressful process.

Please see more info on our amazing benefits here : Benefits at Runna

Our Interview Process

Our aim is to keep the interview process as straightforward and enjoyable as possible and will consist of the following stages :

• Screening call with Emily Head of Talent Associate (25-minute video call)
• Intro call with Katie Head of Partnerships (25-minute video call)
• Take Home Task and Interview with Katie Head of Partnerships and Josh (50 minutes video call)
• Final round : London office visit 1h30 in-person to : People and Team Round : Chat with Millie Head of People. Chat with Sarah US Partnerships Lead (20 minutes each) And meet with Josh Katie and the rest of the UK team

Please let us know if theres anything we can do to better accommodate you throughout the interview process - this can be from scheduling interviews around childcare commitments to accessibility requirements. We want you to show your best self in the process so please speak to your Talent Partner!

How to Apply

Please apply through this link (this will take you to our Workable career hub). Please note we are unable to accept any applications outside of Workable. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application please email

Still have questions or want to know more Check out our Careers Page

Were unfortunately unable to sponsor for this role

Key Skills

Digital Marketing,Marketing,Management Experience,Profit & Loss,Analysis Skills,Microsoft Powerpoint,Market Research,Project Management,Product Management,P&L Management,Product Development,Branding

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary Salary : 50000 - 60000