Strategic Partner Acquisition Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Own and manage a prioritised target list of prospective experience partners.
Research, identify and approach high-potential partners across key categories.
Build and manage a qualified pipeline from first outreach through to signed agreement.
Develop tailored outreach using email, phone, LinkedIn, referrals, events and meetings.
Create and deliver compelling proposals for Buyagift and Red Letter Days.
Pitch confidently to business owners, founders, operators and C-level decision-makers.
Understand each prospect’s business model, goals, capacity and customer fit.
Negotiate commercially sound agreements that support customer value, margin and long-term growth.
Work with Category Managers to understand supply gaps, customer demand and acquisition priorities.
Source partners that improve portfolio quality, breadth, regional coverage and category strength.
Share market insight and prospect feedback to help shape future acquisition strategy.
Work with Onboarding and Category teams to ensure a smooth handover after signature.
Provide clear information on commercial terms, expectations, product details and launch risks.
Collaborate with internal teams to remove blockers and support successful partner launches.
Build relationships across the UK experiences, hospitality, leisure, travel, wellness and entertainment sectors.
Attend relevant industry events and networking opportunities to find new partners and represent our brands.
Monitor competitor activity, market trends and partner sentiment.

About You:

Proven experience in B2B sales, business development, partnerships or commercial acquisition.
Strong track record of prospecting, pitching, negotiating and closing new business relationships.
Excellent commercial judgement, with the ability to assess partner fit, customer relevance and long-term value.
Confident communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
Self-motivated and target-driven, with the ability to work autonomously.
Strong organisational skills and experience managing a multi-stage pipeline.
Comfortable using CRM tools and reporting on pipeline activity and performance.
Experience in a marketplace, e-commerce, travel, hospitality, leisure, gifting or experience-led business would be valuable.
An existing network across hospitality, leisure, wellness, entertainment, tourism or premium lifestyle would be beneficial.
Experience with partner onboarding, catalogue launches, product setup or supplier activation would be useful.
Understanding of category management, product curation, customer proposition or supply acquisition would be beneficial.

Interview Process:

Stage 1: TA Screen – 30 minutes

Stage 2: Hiring Manager Screen – 45–60 minutes

Stage 3: Final Interview – 60 minutes with the Hiring Manager / Senior Stakeholder. Task details TBC.

Our process may vary depending on role and availability. We keep candidates informed of any changes.