Strategic Relationship Director – Corporate Affinity & Partnerships

IPS Group Limited; Cheltenham; 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 in Gloucestershire is seeking a Strategic Relationship Director to take ownership of high-profile corporate partnerships within the FCA-regulated space. This role sits at the heart of the affinity division, demanding a commercially sharp leader who can manage complex distribution networks, protect retention, and spot value opportunities across a mature portfolio.

You will engage with CEOs and board members, drive portfolio planning, and ensure governance aligns with FCA

Qualifications

• Established corporate partnership or account director with FCA-regulated world experience.
• Background handling affinity schemes, delegated authority, or AR frameworks.
• Proven track record of protecting large-scale corporate partnerships and executive presence to operate in boardrooms.
• Willingness to split time between Cheltenham office and home with regular travel to London/client sites.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted adviser to CEOs, MDs, and board members to influence strategic direction.
• Drive commercial performance through portfolio planning, proposition enhancements, and cross-selling.
• Serve as senior corporate sponsor for a network of ARs, ensuring governance aligns with FCA requirements.
• Represent the business as a market ambassador, coordinating internal operations and compliance.

Job description

Strategic Relationship Director - Corporate Affinity & Partnerships

Employer:

IPS Group Limited

Location:

Gloucestershire, South West, GL52 2LX

Pay:

£60,000 to £70,000 per year,

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

Yes

Closing Date:

02/12/2026

About this job

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.

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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