Strategic Relationship Director – Corporate Affinity & Partnerships

IPS Group Limited; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Private medical cover

Enhanced pension

Life assurance

Income protection

Job summary

IPS Group Limited seeks a Strategic Relationship Director to own and grow high-profile corporate partnerships within a FCA-regulated financial services context. You will lead affinity schemes, AR frameworks, and delegated authority with governance at the core, while engaging senior stakeholders and guiding portfolio strategy.

Split time between the Cheltenham office and a home setup, with regular travel to London and client sites.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing FCA-regulated corporate partnerships.
• Strong background in affinity schemes, delegated authority, or AR frameworks.
• Proven ability to influence at board level and manage senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted adviser to CEOs, MDs and board members to shape strategic direction.
• Drive commercial performance through portfolio planning and cross-selling.
• Lead governance and compliance for AR networks and ensure FCA alignment.
• Represent the business and coordinate with internal operations and compliance teams.

Skills

Corporate partnerships

Account leadership

FCA regulatory knowledge

C-suite stakeholder management

Job description

Strategic Relationship Director – Corporate Affinity & Partnerships

We are looking for a Strategic Relationship Director to take ownership of some of our client's highest-profile corporate partnerships. The business is a major international financial services group, and this role sits right at the heart of their affinity division.

This isn’t a standard client management role. We need a commercially sharp leader who can handle complex distribution networks, keep retention rock-solid, and spot genuine opportunities to add value to a mature portfolio. You will be dealing with senior corporate strategy, C-suite diplomacy, and rigorous compliance, while helping to shape the division's long-term proposition.

Your main priorities will center on:

• Acting as a trusted adviser to CEOs, Managing Directors, and board members to influence their strategic direction.
• Driving commercial performance through careful portfolio planning, proposition enhancements, and cross-selling.
• Serving as the senior corporate sponsor for a network of Appointed Representatives, keeping governance frameworks tightly aligned with FCA requirements.
• Representing the business as a visible market ambassador while pulling together internal operational and compliance teams.

To be a good fit, you will need to be an established corporate partnership or account director who knows the FCA-regulated world inside out. We are specifically looking for someone with a background handling affinity schemes, delegated authority, or Appointed Representative (AR) frameworks.

You will need a proven track record of protecting large-scale corporate partnerships and the executive presence needed to hold your own in the boardroom. Logistically, you should be comfortable splitting time between the Cheltenham office and a home setup, with the flexibility to travel regularly into London and to client sites.

Company: IPS Group Limited Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Gloucestershire, GL52 2LX Working pattern: Hybrid - 1 day remote Job type: Permanent Posting date: 3 Nov 2026 Closing date: 2 Dec 2026

The client is offering a highly competitive executive package that includes a performance bonus, private medical cover, and a comprehensive benefits suite covering an enhanced pension, life assurance, and income protection.

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