Head of Partnerships

SYR - Shoreside Maritime Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

SYR - Shoreside Maritime Recruitment is seeking a Head of Partnerships in Birmingham (hybrid) to shape and lead the partnership strategy for ultra-high-net-worth travel experiences. You will build and own a scalable partnership model, engaging luxury travel networks, family offices, private banks, and concierge services.

You will drive high-value relationships, negotiate terms, and create an execution playbook to support growth into the UHNWI ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and closing partnerships within luxury travel or related sectors.
• Strong network with luxury travel advisors, concierge networks or intermediaries serving UHNWI clients.
• Ability to originate and close commercial relationships independently.

Responsibilities

• Identify and close high-value partnerships with luxury travel agencies, concierge groups and travel advisors for UHNWI clients.
• Develop relationships with leading luxury travel networks, consortia and non-traditional partners such as family offices and private banks.
• Define and own the commission and referral structures for a high-value, low-volume market.
• Develop and refine the partnership proposition and go-to-market approach.
• Build and manage a scalable partnership playbook, onboarding, and support processes.

Skills

Partnership development

HNWIs networks

Negotiation

Luxury travel

Industry events

Job description

Head of Partnerships – Luxury Travel & UHNWI

Birmingham, UK | Hybrid | Full-time

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a fast-growing, VC-backed luxury travel technology business that is transforming the way ultra-high-net-worth travelers access and book luxury yacht and superyacht experiences.

With an established MVP and fresh investment supporting the next phase of growth, the business is now building its commercial team and is looking for a Head of Partnerships to take ownership of its partnership strategy within the UHNWI travel ecosystem.

This is a highly entrepreneurial role with significant scope to shape the partnership function from the ground up. You'll identify and develop relationships with the people and organisations that influence travel decisions for some of the world's wealthiest clients.

We're looking for someone who understands the ultra-luxury market, knows how trusted relationships work within the UHNWI world, and can combine strategic thinking with the ability to personally open doors, build relationships and close partnerships.

The Role

You’ll own the development and growth of the company's partnership network, initially focusing on luxury travel and concierge but extending into the wider UHNWI ecosystem.

You’ll identify high-value partnership opportunities, develop commercial relationships and create a scalable partnership model that can support the company's next stage of growth.

This is not a role where you’ll inherit an established playbook. You’ll have significant autonomy to determine which relationships matter, how they should be approached and what a successful partnership model looks like.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development

• Identify, approach, pitch and close high-value partnerships with luxury travel agencies, concierge groups and travel advisors serving UHNWI clients.
• Develop relationships with leading luxury travel networks and consortia.
• Build partnerships beyond traditional travel trade, including:
• Family offices
• Private banks and private client wealth teams
• Luxury travel and lifestyle concierge services
• Superyacht and private aviation brokers
• Members' clubs and other UHNWI networks
• Identify the trusted intermediaries who influence travel recommendations and develop relationships with them.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of high-value partnership opportunities.
• Develop and manage strategic anchor accounts.
• Develop and refine the partnership proposition and go-to-market approach.
• Define and own the commission and referral structure, including tiered rates and partner renewal arrangements.
• Negotiate commercial terms with partners and develop structures appropriate for a high-value, low-volume UHNWI market.
• Develop the partnership playbook, including pitch materials, onboarding processes and objection handling.
• Use insight from the market and partners to continually improve the proposition.

Partner Onboarding & Success

Initially, you’ll also take a hands‑on role in getting new partners successfully up and running.

• Onboard newly signed partners onto the platform.
• Train partners on the booking process and relevant tools.
• Support partners through their first live booking.
• Resolve initial partner queries and remove friction from the booking process.
• Monitor partner activity and proactively re‑engage partners where necessary.
• Ensure commissions are accurately calculated and paid on time.
• Document onboarding and partner processes to create a scalable framework for the future.

As the partnership function grows and a dedicated Partner Success Manager joins the team, you’ll transition day-to-day onboarding and support while retaining ownership of the commercial relationship, commission structure and strategic accounts.

Industry Representation

• Represent the business at relevant luxury travel and industry events.
• Attend major travel trade shows and UHNWI-focused events.
• Build visibility and relationships across the luxury travel, private client and wealth ecosystems.
• Develop a strong understanding of the networks, trends and organisations shaping the UHNWI travel market.

About You

We’re looking for an established partnerships or business development professional who already operates within the ultra-luxury travel ecosystem.

You will ideally bring:

• A genuine network of relationships with luxury travel advisors, concierge professionals or other intermediaries serving UHNWI clients.
• Proven experience developing and closing partnerships within luxury travel, travel advisory, concierge or a closely related sector.
• Experience working with travel consortia, luxury travel agencies or high‑end concierge networks.
• Existing relationships within the wider UHNWI ecosystem are highly desirable, particularly across family offices, private banking, private aviation, superyachts or members' clubs.
• A proven track record of independently originating and closing commercial relationships.
• The confidence to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to negotiate partnership structures.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills and an understanding of the discretion expected when working within the UHNWI market.
• The credibility and polish to represent a premium luxury proposition with senior stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to build processes where none currently exist.

You won’t need a large team around you to get things done. This role will suit someone who is comfortable creating opportunities, opening doors and taking ownership from initial conversation through to commercial delivery.

What You’ll Get

This is an opportunity to join a well‑funded, ambitious business at an important stage of its growth.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Build a partnership function from the ground up.
• Shape the company’s strategy within the UHNWI travel market.
• Develop relationships with some of the most influential organisations and individuals in luxury travel.
• Have genuine ownership over the partnership channel.
• Work closely with the leadership team and play a significant role in the company’s growth.
• Participate in the company’s long‑term success through an equity package.

Location & Travel

Birmingham, UK – hybrid

The role is based from the company’s Birmingham office when working in the UK, with the ability to work from home one day per week where operationally possible.

Significant international travel should be expected as a core part of the role. This will include luxury travel trade shows, private client events, family office forums, members' clubs and meetings with strategic partners.

A full, valid driving licence and willingness to drive abroad are required.

Package

£55,000–£60,000 base salary + performance bonus + equity

The package will be dependent on experience and the strength of your relevant network.