Education & NFP Strategic Partnerships Director

Howden, the new name for Aston Lark; England; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Howden, the new name for Aston Lark, is seeking a Strategic Relationship Director to lead a portfolio of affinity partners and ARs within our Education, Student & NFP division. You will define partnership strategies, drive governance, and ensure sustainable growth while collaborating with executive stakeholders to protect and expand long‑term relationships.

In this senior role you will balance commercial objectives with regulatory requirements, identify new opportunities, oversee performance

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading strategic partnerships and affinity relationships.
• Experience with Appointed Representatives or delegated distribution models.
• Strong commercial acumen with growth opportunity identification.
• Credibility engaging with executive and board-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic affinity partner and AR relationships.
• Build relationships with executive and board-level stakeholders.
• Deliver retention, revenue growth and profitability through account planning.
• Lead governance, performance and relationship review meetings.
• Identify opportunities to expand partnerships, enhance propositions and develop products.
• Ensure partners operate within governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor performance, manage risk and drive continuous improvement.
• Support onboarding and integration of new strategic partners.
• Represent the business at client meetings, industry events and networking opportunities.
• Contribute to divisional strategy and long-term growth initiatives.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Affinity relationships

Major accounts

Regulated environment

Commercial growth

Executive engagement

Negotiation skills

Governance

Compliance

Job description

Howden, the new name for Aston Lark, is seeking a Strategic Relationship Director to lead a portfolio of affinity partners and ARs within our Education, Student & NFP division. You will define partnership strategies, drive governance, and ensure sustainable growth while collaborating with executive stakeholders to protect and expand long‑term relationships.

In this senior role you will balance commercial objectives with regulatory requirements, identify new opportunities, oversee performance