Strategic Relationship Manager / Business Partner

Strategic Relationship Manager / Business Partner - 3-6 months+ - Inside IR35 - Hybrid working (3 days on site in London)

Role Overview

We are looking for two highly experienced Strategic Relationship Managers / Business Partners to support a major programme within the UK Gov.

These are senior stakeholder-facing positions requiring individuals who can build trusted relationships, influence at a senior level and act as the key interface between the programme and its emergency services stakeholders.

This is not a traditional Project Management role. The emphasis is firmly on strategic relationship management, stakeholder engagement, influencing and ensuring that stakeholder requirements, concerns and priorities are understood and effectively represented across the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the relevant emergency service.
• Act as a strategic business partner and primary relationship interface between stakeholders and the wider programme.
• Engage confidently with senior operational, technical and executive-level stakeholders.
• Understand stakeholder priorities, challenges and operational requirements and ensure these are effectively represented within the programme.
• Build credibility and trust across complex stakeholder groups with potentially competing priorities.
• Influence decision-making and gain stakeholder buy-in for programme initiatives and change.
• Identify relationship risks, concerns and areas of resistance and work proactively to resolve them.
• Facilitate senior-level discussions and ensure effective communication between programme teams and stakeholders.
• Provide insight into the operational environment of the relevant emergency service.
• Support successful adoption and implementation of programme changes through strong engagement and relationship management.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in senior stakeholder management, strategic relationship management or business partnering.
• Demonstrable ability to build relationships and influence at senior leadership/executive level.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience operating within large, complex programmes or organisations.
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive or challenging stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of how to establish credibility and maintain long-term strategic relationships.
• Comfortable acting as the link between operational stakeholders, programme leadership and delivery teams.

Sector Experience

Candidates must have significant experience within at least one of the following:

• UK Police Force / Constabulary
• Policing technology or transformation programmes
• Home Office policing environments
• Emergency services programmes supporting UK policing
• NHS / Ambulance Service
• Fire & Rescue Service
• Emergency services technology or transformation programmes
• Wider blue-light/public safety environments

Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in individuals who have operated as a:

Strategic Relationship Manager Senior Stakeholder Manager Stakeholder Engagement Lead Strategic Engagement Lead Business Partner Relationship Director Strategic Partnerships Manager Client Relationship Director

The successful candidates will be relationship-led rather than delivery-led. They may have programme or project experience, but their key strength will be their ability to engage, influence and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the emergency services.

The critical requirement is not simply managing stakeholders as part of a project - it is being an exceptional stakeholder and relationship management professional.

Strategic Relationship Manager / Business Partner - 3-6 months+ - Inside IR35 - Hybrid working (3 days on site in London)

This temporary contract is inside IR35 and will require working under the direction of the client delivery manager as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The successful candidate will follow established delivery processes and working practices.

This temporary contract is the successful candidate to undergo and be eligible for UK Security Vetting at SC/DV level. Clearance sponsorship will be provided where required. Due to the nature of the work, candidates should meet the relevant residency requirements. If applicable, reserved post nationality restrictions will be confirmed by the client. Damia is committed to inclusive recruitment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Due to the secure nature of the position and working environment, you must have, or be eligible to obtain Security Clearance.

List of national security vetting clearance levels with guidance on who requires clearance and what checks are completed.

Damia Group Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept our Data Protection Policy which can be found on our website.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.

Should the role require the successful candidate to undergo and be eligible for UK Security Vetting. Clearance sponsorship will be provided where required. Due to the nature of the work, candidates should meet the relevant residency requirements. If applicable, Reserved Post nationality restrictions will be confirmed by the client. Damia is committed to inclusive recruitment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Damia Group is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy and in accordance to Conduct Regulations 2003.