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