Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships

Twinkl Ltd.; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Global impact campaigns

Flexible benefits

Westfield Health plan

33 days paid time off

Enhanced parental leave

Pension contributions

Life insurance

Twinkl access for you and family

Job summary

Twinkl Ltd. in the UK is seeking a Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager to build high-impact relationships with major brands and retailers. You will manage top-tier partners, design outside-the-box campaigns, and drive campaigns from concept to launch in a hybrid setup.

You will lead strategic negotiations, craft compelling narratives for executives and educators, and inspire cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional ROI and growth for Twinkl’s global education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Track record managing external partners with tier-1 brands.
• Experience collaborating with entertainment, media or retail brands.
• Strong storytelling and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a rich portfolio of high-profile global partners and drive multi-territory campaigns.
• Pitch bold partnership proposals to senior decision-makers and overcome objections.
• Brainstorm and activate unique co-branded initiatives that engage educators and parents.
• Craft compelling pitches, copy and campaign narratives for stakeholders.
• Track ROI data and present outcomes to leadership and partners.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor colleagues to execute plans.
• Negotiate contracts and drive campaigns through to launch.

Skills

Proven Experience

Creative Thinking

Relentless Hustle

Master Storyteller

Leadership

Mission-Driven

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Sheffield or Hybrid

Location:Sheffield, UK (Hybrid) or Remote (UK)

Hours of Work: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Reports To:Head of Strategic Partnerships

Do you want to make a real difference in the world? Do you have an incredible ability to communicate and build high-impact relationships? Do you want to collaborate with some of the largest brands and organisations globally to turn big ideas into action?

If you answered yes, then this is the role you’ve been looking for.

About Us

We are on a mission to make the world a better place by helping those who teach. As a global leader in educational resources, we support millions of educators, schools, and families every day. But we don't do it alone, we collaborate with world-class entertainment brands, major organisations, and key educational institutions to bring extraordinary value to classrooms worldwide.

We are looking for an ambitious, creative, and relentless Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager to join our team. If you are a natural communicator who loves bringing wild ideas to life, developing the best relationships with global titans and inspiring everyone around you to think bigger, this is your place to shine.

The Role

This isn't a standard corporate partnership manager position. We want a high-energy dealmaker and creative visionary who has a proven record of making things happen.

You will manage a rich portfolio of high-profile global partners (like Disney, major movie studios, and household retail brands) alongside high-value commercial suppliers. You’ll be tasked with dreaming up outside-the-box campaigns, turning "nos into yeses," and rolling up your sleeves to get campaigns over the line.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage & Scale Tier-1 Partners: Oversee a diverse portfolio of major strategic accounts, including leading global entertainment partners like Disney, delivering high-impact, multi-territory co-marketing campaigns.
• Turn "Nos into Yeses": Pitch bold, unconventional partnership proposals to senior decision-makers. You’re a natural problem-solver who thrives on overcoming objections and finding creative win-win solutions.
• Bring Crazy Ideas to Life: Brainstorm, design, and activate unique co-branded initiatives (from cinema activations and retail perks to exclusive learning hubs) that captivate educators and parents alike.
• Master the Message:Craft compelling pitches, copy, and campaign narratives. You have an exceptional grasp of tone and understand what resonates deeply with both corporate stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Showcase Impact:Track, analyze, and present clear ROI data. You will champion partnership successes internally to executive leadership and externally to global brand partners.
• Inspire & Lead Beyond Your Line: Serve as a natural leader within the business. You will mentor team members and motivate cross-functional teams (Design, Marketing, Product, Legal) to think bigger and execute seamlessly.
• Get Stuck In: Whether it’s negotiating high-stakes contracts, writing campaign briefs, or troubleshooting last-minute rollout details, you're always ready to dive in and execute.

About You

• Proven Experience:Track record managing a wide portfolio of external partners, with direct experience collaborating with tier-1 global brands (entertainment, media, or retail experience highly preferred).
• Creative Force: A huge creative mind with a portfolio of "outside-the-box" campaigns you’ve brought from initial napkin sketch to full-scale launch.
• Relentless Hustle:A track record of turning cold doors into major signed deals. You have grit, resilience, and a passion for overcoming commercial hurdles.
• Master Storyteller:Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. You know how to talk to C-suite executives one minute and write engaging copy for teachers the next.
• Inspiring Leader: A proven ability to lead and motivate people, not just direct reports, but cross-departmental teams who don’t report to you directly.
• Mission-Driven: A genuine passion for making a positive social impact and helping improve education for children worldwide.

What We Offer

• Flexible Working: Hybrid working options with a supportive, collaborative team culture.
• Impact:The chance to work on campaigns seen and loved by millions of children, teachers, and parents around the globe.

How We’ll Look After You

• Enjoy 33 days of paid time off per year (pro-rata), plus watch your holiday bank grow the longer you stay with us.
• The Ultimate "Me" Day. An extra, fully paid day off dedicated entirely to you. Sleep in, binge a show, or hit the spa. No justification needed, just pure self-care.
• Want to change the world? We’ll foot the bill. Take a fully paid day every year to champion a cause close to your heart.
• Keep your money in your pocket as we give you access to a Westfield Health cash plan. Claim back cash on everyday healthcare like dentist visits, eye care, and physio.
• Big life moments deserve big support. We’ve got you covered with enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• We’re investing in your tomorrow. Secure your future with our boosted pension contributions and total peace of mind through generous life insurance.
• Unleash a world of learning and fun! Get full, complimentary access to Twinkl for you and your family.

About Us

Who are we and what do we do?

At Twinkl, we believe every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and inspired to learn. Created by experienced educators for educators, our mission is simple: to help those who teach by transforming lives through education.

Trusted by teaching communities worldwide, Twinkl provides instant access to an award-winning library of over 1 million digital and printable resources. Supporting learners from birth through secondary education, our collection spans everything from daily lesson planning and assessments to leadership and wellbeing tools.

We evolve alongside the classroom, adding fresh content daily. And if you can't find exactly what you need? Just ask. Our world-class customer service team will create bespoke resources just for you, allowing you to focus on what matters most: inspiring your learners.

Whoever you are, whatever you teach, Twinkl is here for you!