Head of Talent & Partnerships

MEDEA MGMT; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Commission structure based on performance

Autonomy in role

Job summary

A creative agency based in Manchester is seeking a Head of Talent & Partnerships to drive brand partnerships and client growth. This executive role involves leading business development and relationship management while overseeing a small team. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in closing deals and a strong network within the industry. Competitive salary with commission structure based on performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, brand partnerships, or commercial strategy.
• Strong record of winning pitches and closing deals.
• Experience in talent-focused opportunities preferred.
• Confidence in leading negotiations.
• Experience managing a small team.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business opportunities across brand partnerships.
• Maintain and grow relationships with clients.
• Lead on pitch development and negotiations.
• Oversee a team of talent managers.
• Take ownership of key commercial decisions.
• Work closely with internal creative and strategy teams.
• Track sales performance and revenue growth.
• Represent the company at industry events.

Skills

Business development

Brand partnerships

Commercial strategy

Negotiation

Team management

Client relationship management

Network development

Strategic mindset

Job description

We are looking for a Head of Talent & Partnerships to lead on brand partnerships, client growth, and commercial strategy.

The role combines new business development with relationship management— maintaining and expanding existing brand partnerships while identifying and securing new opportunities.

You will also play a senior role within the team, overseeing and supporting talent managers, helping shape deal structures, and contributing to broader business decisions. This position requires both creative intuition and commercial focus, with the ability to see opportunities through from idea to signed deal.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business opportunities across brand partnerships, campaigns, and events.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients to maximise renewals and long‑term value.
• Lead on pitch development — from strategy and proposals through to delivery and negotiation.
• Oversee a small team of talent managers, providing training, support, and guidance on best practice and deal management.
• Take ownership of key commercial decisions, including deal structuring and pricing.
• Work closely with internal teams across creative, production, and strategy to deliver high‑impact partnerships.
• Track and report on sales performance, revenue growth, and emerging opportunities.
• Represent MEDEA at industry events and client meetings. London focused.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience in business development, brand partnerships, or commercial strategy within marketing, creative, or events.
• Strong record of winning pitches and closing deals with recognised brands.
• Experience working in talent-focused opportunities (brand or agency side) is preferred — understanding how talent partnerships are structured and executed is key.
• Confidence leading client conversations and negotiating on value.
• Experience supporting or managing a small team and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• A well‑connected individual with an active network across brand and agency circles.
• Commercially sharp with a strategic mindset and understanding of brand culture.
• Self‑sufficient, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast‑moving creative environment.

Why MEDEA

• Opportunity to shape the growth and commercial direction of an expanding agency.
• Senior role with autonomy and real influence across partnerships and internal development.
• Collaborative, ambitious team working across culture, social, and brand.
• Competitive base salary + commission structure based on performance.
• Manchester (preferred) or London (if strategically aligned).

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Public Relations and Communications Services

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (preferred) or London, England, United Kingdom (if strategically aligned)