PARTNERSHIP RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Buckinghamshire New University; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern educational institution is seeking a Partnerships Relationship Manager to manage strategic educational partnerships. The role involves ensuring compliance and delivering excellent service while leading a team. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in higher education, exceptional organizational skills, and a proactive attitude. This full-time position is based in High Wycombe and offers a salary ranging from £38,784 to £43,482, along with benefits including a generous holiday entitlement and hybrid working opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Hybrid working

Training & development opportunities

Contributory pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Staff discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior administrator with a focus on customer service.
• Strong understanding of UK higher education systems and processes.
• Ability to analyze data and propose changes effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage and nurture strategic relationships with educational partners.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Lead and develop team performance to high standards.

Skills

Customer experience

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

IT skills with MS tools

Communication skills

Education

First degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: High Wycombe

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary Range: £38,784 - £43,482

Hours per week: 37

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

Ref No: 1945

Full Time - Permanent - High Wycombe

Salary: £38,784 - £43,482

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed. Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

Job Overview

The Partnerships Relationship Manager is a key role within the External Collaborations directorate, responsible for proactively managing and nurturing the university’s strategic relationships with a diverse range of educational partners. The postholder will ensure all collaborative activities are delivered professionally, efficiently and in strict adherence to contractual commitments, university policies and regulatory frameworks (including UKVI, Data Protection and Equality & Diversity). A core aspect of the role involves the accurate management of student and partnership data, contributing to process improvement and supporting the university’s commitment to building an inclusive community. The successful candidate will be an experienced senior administrator with a strong understanding of UK higher education systems, exceptional stakeholder management skills and a proven ability to analyse processes and drive effective solutions. Leadership responsibilities include line management and ensuring the team operates to high standards of service and compliance.

What We Offer

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

Equality & Diversity

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Louise Williams on [contact information].

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date

4th January 2026

Interview Date

W/C 19th January 2026

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Job Description

Job Title: Partnership Relationship Manager

College/Directorate: External Collaborations

Grade: G

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Senior Manager Partnership Relationships

Responsible for: Senior Relationships Officers

Job Purpose: The purpose is to provide proactive, efficient and professional leadership of collaborative relationships with educational partners across a range of educational settings in line with contractual commitments. To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• In adherence with the University’s regulations, policies and procedures; provide an effective and professional service to the education provider and internal stakeholders.
• To ensure accurate data capture, analysis, uploading, checking and tracking of information pertaining to academic administration and the student record. In doing so ensure compliance with the University’s document retention schedule, Freedom of Information and Data Protection requirements.
• To reflect on and evaluate the operation of administrative processes and contribute to External Collaborations in promoting new ideas in relation to more effective account management.
• To plan and deliver on allocated tasks such as, but not limited to;
  • Periodic Reviews
  • University Policy, Regulations and Procedures
  • Key Account management
  • Partner Staff Approval
  • Adherence to contractual KPIs
  • Information for and communication with stakeholders
  • Operations and Strategic Boards
  • Annual Monitoring Reviews
  • External Collaborations Board
• To be actively engaged with internal working groups and to proactively implement agreed process changes within the University.
• To adopt and demonstrate behaviours aligned to the University’s values.
• To keep abreast of sector developments and best practice and undertake CPD as relevant to the role.
• There may be a requirement for these duties to be carried out across different sites within the University.
• To undertake any other duties working flexibly across External Collaborations with the grade of the post, as required by the line manager and PVC External Collaborations.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
• Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing.
• Supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, giving direction and feedback and ensuring adequate staffing cover.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Evidence of Professional engagement and CPD

A

First degree or equivalent

A

Knowledge & Experience

• Delivering an excellent customer experience – A/I
• Experienced senior administrator – A/I
• Experience of committee servicing/minute taking – A/I
• Experience of dealing with sensitive casework – A/I
• Experience of problem solving – A/I
• Experience of educational working practices – A/I
• Knowledge of Higher Education systems, process and procedures in the UK – A/I
• Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process and proposing change and solutions – A/I
• Strong understanding and awareness of data protection, freedom of information, and consumer rights legislation, with the ability to ensure compliance in all activities. – A/I

Skills

• Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools – A/I
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels across the organisation – A/I
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing – A/I
• Proven organisational and planning skills – A/I
• Ability to work as part of a team – A/I
• Proactive and flexible attitude to work – A/I
• Proven ability of working well under pressure, to deadlines and with minimal supervision – A/I
• Good IT skills using MS packages and databases – A/I
• Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects to deadlines – A/I
• Methodical and accurate approach meticulous attention to detail – A/I

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours as required during peak work times – A/I
• Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas as required – I

Behavioural Indicators

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University.

Delivering excellent service: Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long‑term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.

Using resources effectively: Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Achieving results: Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

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