Partnerships Manager

Operation Smile is an international medical charity specialising in cleft surgery and care for babies, children and adults. Since 1982, the organisation has transformed lives through safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care, while strengthening local health systems through training, education and partnerships

Operating in more than 30 countries, Operation Smile raises around $100m globally each year. Operation Smile UK (OSUK) plays a vital role within this international network as a fundraising office, working closely with Operation Smile Inc. to fund programmes and support medical volunteers delivering care around the world. The organisation is entering an exciting phase of development through its Operation 100 strategy, which focuses on strengthening surgical systems by supporting district hospitals closer to the communities they serve.

OSUK has an established and growing partnerships portfolio, including well-known brands and global partners, such as Superdrug, The Perfume Shop and Johnson & Johnson. With strong foundations already in place, there is significant opportunity to grow income further through both deepening existing relationships and unlocking new, high-value corporate partnerships.

OSUK is seeking a Partnerships Manager to play a pivotal role in its growth strategy, managing and expanding corporate partnerships while identifying and securing new business opportunities. You will drive strategy and delivery across corporate fundraising, and line manage the Partnerships Officer, who delivers community fundraising.

This is a highly strategic role with the opportunity to focus on high-value, relationship-led partnerships rather than transactional activity, supported by an experienced Director of Partnerships and strong organisational networks.

As Partnerships Manager, you will:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of established corporate partners, focusing on renewals, uplifts and long-term strategic development
• Develop and secure new corporate partnerships, building a strong and sustainable pipeline of prospects
• Deliver a balanced role with a mix of account management and new business development
• Lead on partnership campaigns, activations and engagement opportunities across the year
• Build relationships with UK-based and global partners, including high five-figure and sixfigure partnerships
• Create compelling, tailored partnership propositions aligned to Operation Smile s programmes and impact
• Line manage a Partnerships Officer, who delivers community fundraising and oversees smaller partnerships

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in corporate partnerships fundraising or business development
• Track record of securing and growing partnerships in the £50k £100k+ range
• Experience managing and developing high-value relationships (five-figure to six-figure)
• Strong new business skills, including pipeline development, prospecting and closing deals
• Experience balancing account management with new business activity
• Ability to develop compelling proposals and partnership plans
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills with corporate stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience managing income streams of £300k+
• Line management experience or readiness to step into management
• Experience working across multiple sectors (e.g. healthcare, retail, brands)
• Experience working within an international or global organisation

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year (excluding bank holidays), plus discretionary office closure between Christmas and New Year, with 1-day additional holiday each year to a maximum of 30 days annual leave
• 6.1% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity package (min. 24 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme