Group Director Partnerships

Group Director Partnerships

Location: UK or Germany (Hybrid)

Package: Base Circa £110 - £130k (Circa €130k - €160k) + Executive Package

Travel - Whilst the role can be based in the UK or Germany, there will be significant travel to other European locations.

Role Overview

An established international organisation is seeking an experienced Group Director Partnerships to lead and develop its strategic manufacturer relationships and drive sustainable commercial growth across multiple European markets. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the organisation's partnership strategy, strengthening key manufacturer relationships, identifying new commercial opportunities and maximising the value of existing partnerships.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with strong commercial leadership, bringing a proven ability to develop high-value partnerships, deliver profitable growth and influence business performance at executive level. Working collaboratively with senior leaders across commercial, product, marketing, supply chain, finance and digital functions, the role will ensure that partnership development is fully aligned with wider business priorities and long-term growth objectives. Success will be measured through the development of strategic relationships and the delivery of tangible commercial results, including revenue growth, improved profitability, increased market penetration and the creation of new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the strategic growth agenda for OEM partnerships across multiple markets.
• Develop and implement a long-term partnership strategy aligned with wider organisational objectives - Identify, assess and pursue new manufacturer partnership opportunities.
• Develop strategic plans to strengthen market positioning and competitive advantage.
• Identify opportunities to expand into adjacent sectors and complementary product categories.
• Drive innovation and new approaches to partnership development and commercial growth.
• Take full accountability for the financial performance of the OEM business segment, including P&L ownership.
• Deliver agreed revenue, profitability and contribution targets. Lead budgeting, forecasting and strategic business planning.
• Develop and implement joint business plans with key strategic partners. Establish and monitor meaningful performance indicators, taking corrective action where necessary.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, commercial efficiency and overall business performance.
• Ensure investment in partnership development delivers measurable commercial returns.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key manufacturing partners.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, contractual discussions and strategic reviews.
• Build strong networks across partner organisations to unlock future opportunities.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team operating across multiple geographical locations.
• Encourage commercial ownership, engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
• Build a team capable of delivering ambitious strategic and commercial objectives.
• Identify emerging opportunities, market shifts and potential commercial risks.
• Represent the organisation at relevant industry events and senior-level engagements.
• Provide regular market intelligence and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Ensure partnership priorities are embedded within wider business planning and growth strategies.
• Drive alignment between internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
• Promote a customer-focused, commercially driven and partnership-led culture.
• Identify opportunities for improved internal processes, collaboration and operational effectiveness.

Essential Experience

• Experience working with a manufacturing business through aftersales and/or service.
• Significant senior leadership experience within OEM partnerships, strategic account management, business development or commercial leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable revenue growth and profitability improvements.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including direct P&L responsibility.
• Extensive experience managing complex manufacturer or strategic supplier relationships.
• Demonstrable experience developing and executing commercial growth strategies across multiple markets.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and executive stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within an international, matrix-led organisation.
• Experience within a manufacturing, OEM or closely related technical B2B environment.
• Strong understanding of strategic manufacturer relationships, channel development and aftermarket commercial models.
• Experience in sectors involving technical products, equipment, components, distribution or service-related solutions.
• Understanding service-led and recurring revenue business models.

As a specialist boutique executive search firm, Executive Recruit partners with organisations to secure the calibre of leadership that drives meaningful change. Our bespoke methodology ensures clients access exceptional executives who combine strategic vision with proven execution, ultimately strengthening leadership depth and board performance.

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