Job Description

Purpose of the post
We are now at a pivotal stage of growth and are seeking a Strategic Partnership Manager to drive long-term impact and scalability. This role will work closely with programme leads to:
Secure additional funding through grant collaborations, sponsorship, and strategic partnerships
Develop new business models to support expansion and sustainability
Strengthen HDR UK's position as a leader in health data science training and career development
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnerships
Build and nurture partnerships with universities, NHS organisations, research institutes, industry, funders, and community stakeholders.
Represent HDR UK Capacity Building at external forums, acting as a trusted liaison and negotiator.
Co-develop funding bids, joint initiatives, and collaborations that expand HDR UK's training, internships, and career pathways.
Support international growth by working with HDR UK's international team to establish global partnerships.
Sustainability and Resource Development
Lead the development of a long-term sustainability strategy for capacity building programmes.
Secure funding, sponsorship, and in-kind contributions from public, private, and philanthropic sources.
Design scalable and cost-effective delivery models in collaboration with finance and programme teams.
Programme Delivery
Support the design and delivery of capacity building activities, ensuring alignment with HDR UK's mission and partner priorities.
Embed sustainability into programme delivery through monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting.
Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in partnership and sustainability approaches.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure relevance, quality, and impact of programmes.
Promote HDR UK's training and talent initiatives nationally and internationally, raising visibility and influence.
Develop compelling communication materials that demonstrate value to funders, policymakers, and partners.
Explore fund-raising options beyond traditional academic funding sources including industry, philanthropic organisations and other organisations active in the health data science sector
Leadership
Provide thought leadership on partnership development and sustainability within the team.
Support colleagues in adopting collaborative approaches and leveraging new external opportunities.
Person Specification
Essential
Proven experience in building and managing cross-sector partnerships.
Strong track record in sustainability planning, fundraising, business development, and grant applications.
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and external organisations.
Outstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, including business case development.
Understanding of the research, higher education, health, or data science landscape.
Commitment to HDR UK's values, with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable
Knowledge of health data science, digital health, or biomedical research.
Experience working with funders, sponsors, industry, and government agencies.
Demonstrated success in securing significant funding or partnership agreements.
Experience in capacity building, training, or skills development programmes.
Dimensions
This is a full-time role. Travel in the UK will be required to partner organisations, conferences and events.
HDR UK is a national institute, and our activities take place across the UK

Skills Required