Head of Growth and Partnerships

The Drinks Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Growth and Partnerships to lead their business donor strategy. This pivotal role involves securing high-value partnerships and identifying innovative opportunities within the drinks and hospitality sectors. You will collaborate closely with the CEO and fundraising team to achieve ambitious goals, leveraging your strong relationship-building skills and commercial acumen. Join a passionate team committed to making a meaningful impact in the industry, where your contributions will drive growth and enhance the support provided to the workforce.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution

3x salary life insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Free therapeutic wellbeing services

Private medical cover

Performance-related bonus (up to 8% of salary)

Qualifications

• Proven track record in commercial success within the UK drinks industry.
• Experience in securing high-value partnerships and fundraising targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution of new business development.
• Cultivate high-value partnerships and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Business Development

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Proposal Writing

Relationship Management

Commercial Partnerships

Tools

Excel

Job description

Head of Growth and Partnerships

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (Part-time considered for the right candidate) Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution, 3x salary life insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, free therapeutic wellbeing services, private medical cover, performance-related bonus (up to 8% of salary)

Location: Flexible (travel, visits to the London office and attendance at events on behalf of the charity will be required)

Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of commercial success within the UK drinks industry. Only candidates who meet this essential criterion will be considered.

About The Drinks Trust

The Drinks Trust is a UK charity supporting the drinks and hospitality workforce. We provide financial assistance, well-being support, and educational opportunities to those working across the industry. Our services include emergency grants, training courses, practical advice, and mental health resources. We are primarily funded through donations and partnerships with businesses across the sector.

About the Role

We seek a dynamic and commercially astute Head of Growth and Partnerships to lead the development and delivery of our business donor strategy. This is a senior, externally facing role, accountable for securing new high-value partnerships and identifying innovative commercial opportunities across the drinks and hospitality sectors. Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of commercial success within the UK drinks industry. Only candidates who meet this essential criterion will be considered.

You will play a critical role in shaping and implementing a new business development strategy, working closely with the CEO and wider fundraising team to meet ambitious income and impact goals. This role requires a strong relationship builder with proven success in business development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, particularly with senior industry leaders and decision-makers.

Your focus will include:

• Identifying and converting new partnership opportunities across our corporate donor and supporter base.

• Securing new business partners to support “Develop,” our vocational education programme.

• Driving membership growth for our Business Advisory Programme.

• Maximising engagement, impact, and income through smart, sustainable partnerships.

You’ll be joining a passionate, high-performing team with a strong culture of collaboration and commitment to the people we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the strategy and execution of new business development, including pipeline generation, prospect research, segmentation, targeting, and reporting.

• Cultivate high-value partnerships, from initial approach to proposal writing, pitching, closing, and stewardship.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, fundraising, programme delivery, and senior leadership to ensure outstanding partner experiences, and identify and develop innovative commercial initiatives.

• Monitor and report on performance, targets, and milestones—highlighting risks and growth opportunities.

• Act as a key external ambassador for The Drinks Trust, representing the charity at events, industry functions, and high-level meetings.

• Contribute to a strong team culture, sharing insights and mentoring colleagues where appropriate.

About You

You are a driven and strategic thinker who thrives in a relationship-led role. You have an entrepreneurial mindset, a love for the drinks and hospitality industry, and the commercial experience to make an immediate impact. You’ll be self-motivated, comfortable leading meetings with C-suite stakeholders, and capable of managing a varied and fast-paced workload.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of commercial success within the UK drinks industry. Only candidates who meet this essential criterion will be considered.

• A strong track record of securing new high-value partnerships and meeting/exceeding commercial or fundraising targets in the drinks industry.

• Experience in business development, commercial partnerships, or corporate fundraising—ideally connected to the drinks or hospitality sectors.

• Excellent strategic planning and pipeline management capabilities and a good understanding of Excel.

• Skilled in writing compelling proposals, developing presentations, and confidently pitching to senior stakeholders.

• Ability to lead conversations, understand partner motivations, and shape offers that balance charity needs with business goals.

• Outstanding relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.

• Comfortable working autonomously, with the initiative to spot and act on opportunities in a fast-moving environment.

Personal Attributes

• Action-oriented: Takes initiative and works with pace to deliver results.

• Customer-focused: Builds trust with internal and external stakeholders, always seeking to add value.

• Strategic & organised: Thinks big while staying focused on detail and delivery.

• Compassionate & empathetic: Understands and advocates for the people we support.

• Interpersonally savvy: Builds rapport quickly and manages relationships with diplomacy and professionalism.

• Confident around senior leaders: Can engage, influence, and communicate with senior industry stakeholders with ease.