Lifelong Learning & Partnerships Strategist

Edinburgh - UK

Monthly Salary: £ 58225 - 69488

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Role: Lifelong Learning & Partnerships Strategist

Salary: Grade

Contract Type: Full Time (1 FTE) Fixed Term (Until July 2026)

Organisation Name: Heriot-Watt Online

About our Directorate and Team

Heriot-Watt University has a proud 25-year legacy of delivering world-class online and distance learning. Today over 6500 students from 160 countries study with us online or as a graduate apprentice - making up more than 25% of our total student body.

We are now entering an ambitious phase of investment and growth for Heriot-Watt Online with a bold 10-year strategy to expand our reach and a world where the nature of work is evolving rapidly we are committed to delivering flexible accessible and career-focused education at scale - empowering individuals and organisations to thrive in times of transformation.

Purpose of Role

The Lifelong Learning & Partnerships Strategist is responsible for growing B2B sales of HW Online programmes. They will set the vision and strategy and drive execution for HW Onlines commercial partnership activity defining our propositions and go-to-market strategy in order to deliver on ambitious fee income and reputation targets.

The postholder will be responsible for building a pipeline and negotiating new anchor commercial partnerships with a strong focus on employers. They will also lead a team responsible for inbound and outbound prospecting and business development in the UK and wider markets.

All our programmes operate in increasingly competitive markets. The postholder provides strategic insight and thought leadership for the development of HW Onlines commercial partnerships strategy playing a key role in driving innovation and ensuring our offer evolves to meet the changing needs and expectations of students and employers across the globe.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management

Accountable for the strategic planning of HW Onlines commercial partnership strategy leading the development of a go-to-market strategy and business plan for B2B and enterprise channels.
Develop strategic propositions which will enable HW Online to grow enrolments for degrees and courses through relationships with employers membership bodies and other potential strategic partners (including upskill and reskill tuition as a benefit etc).
Improve the quality and differentiation of HW Online programmes by identifying opportunities for employers to support HW Online including advising on industry need curriculum design contributing content/authentic business projects or careers opportunities.
Lead line manage motivate and coach the HW Online partnerships team creating a culture and working environment to drive growth and facilitate high performance.
Prioritise markets/sectors to grow B2B sales of HW Online programmes and the development of a target list of potential cliets. Oversee the inbound and outbound prospecting and interaction with potential partners with the goal of generating high quality sales leads.
Set targets objectives and KPIs for Partnerships team activity aligned to the overall HW Online strategy and communicate these to relevant stakeholders.
Analyse pipeline data to provide accurate monthly/quarterly/annual forecasts.
Proactively monitor competitor activity and market trends and make recommendations to inform strategy and gain competitive advantage and increase market share accordingly.
Raise awareness of HW Onlines name expertise experience and capabilities in key industry forums and trade media in the UK and identified target global markets.

Employer & Strategic Partnerships

Identify and qualify potential lead/anchor partners and develop/implement cultivation plans to ensure the most effective approaches are made to secure partnerships.
Lead highly impactful sales conversations with the ability to persuade and close new business and establish a strong relationship to drive repeat business.
Negotiate partnership terms including agreeing ambition and support to be provided by HWU securing internal support for this where necessary.

Stakeholder management and other responsibilities

Build close working relationships with relevant academics to facilitate the development of effective partnerships.
Where appropriate involve University leadership and academics in partnership activity ensuring they are well briefed and supported
Work with the HW Online Marketing team to oversee a programme of capacity building support and materials for Employer Partners based around the world to ensure effectiveness and consistency in the delivery of marketing activity.
Collaborate with the wider HWU community (Graduate Apprenticeships Business and Enterprise Alumni Executive Education Research Engagement Careers etc) to identify opportunities for joint working and to ensure HWU maximises the potential for every relationship.
Share knowledge to raise the profile and reputation of HW Online internally and externally.
Protect HWUs external reputation and brand by working with colleagues to ensure appropriate due diligence is undertaken on potential partners.
Deputise for the CEO of HW Online as required.

Education Qualifications & Experience

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made

Essential

Excellent knowledge of the online education market and passion for education

Track record of achieving results in a high growth environment with a commercial focus

Significant account or relationship management experience

Ability to form long-term strategic business relationships and comfort engaging with senior executives

Strong networker

Ability to think strategically and tactically and operate in a complex global environment

Educated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplace

Demonstrable experience of managing a team

Demonstrable experience of managing resources workloads and changing priorities for self and others

Demonstrable experience of leading and managing change

Entrepreneurial drive and comfort working autonomously and as part of a team in ambiguous quickly-changing environments

Proven experience of dealing with and leading in uncertainty and ambiguity

Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Excellent influencing skills

Good track record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers peers stakeholders and others

Strong analytical skills and creative problem solving abilities

Commercial acumen with strong understanding of financial information and a track record of delivering to financial plans and KPIs

Flexible and resilient

Collaborative and proactive

Familiar with using CRM systems

Project management skills including resource management and budgeting.

Competencies Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all leadership roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will perform them to at least an effective standard at all times.

Strategic Outlook

Contribute to the delivery of the University strategy drawing upon and sharing knowledge gained through engagement and close relationships with colleagues to inform and influence decisions
Identify interpret and translate University Strategies into operational planning and outcomes keeping in mind the bigger picture and the external environment

Leadership

Provide leadership to the team providing line management direction support mentoring and coaching

Through strong leadership and example lead and develop staff to achieve their potential ensuring a clear understanding of their role within the team Directorate and University

Provide Subject Matter Expert advice within the team and across the University

Deputise for Senior Management where required

Management Responsibilities

Manage the team individually and collectively including setting objectives managing performance attendance capability and development

Manage and monitor the team budget to deliver value for money and fit for purpose resources and facilities

Team Work

Proactively develop the team and ensure successful collaboration across the Directorate and University

Build visible and effective professional relationships across the University and external stakeholders

Contribute to and actively participate in team Directorate and University projects

Championing Change

Assess and lead on change management influencing and managing stakeholder expectations.

Manage the implications of change on the team maintaining team morale and service levels

Decision Making

Provide high quality value-added analysis and commentary on reports and metrics

Represent the Directorate and University on internal and external committees as appropriate

Planning and Organising

Review and revise team structure and workload allocation/priorities as required

Initiative and Problem Solving

Contribute to governance and risk management within the Directorate

Collaborate with peers to resolve university-wide challenges

Service Excellence

Provide clear leadership to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of a high-quality service developing high professional standards and excellent customer service

Ensure delivery of the service within agreed service levels

Comply with University Policies when managing or processing personal and other confidential information at all times

Develop and review service levels metrics and feedback ensuring consistency and continuous improvement of service

Ensure timely accurate and informative provision of statutory and other reports and metrics

Clear and Consistent Communications

Maintain confidentiality at all times by following university policies and guidance in managing confidential information and personal data

Use appropriate communication methods to ensure key messages and information are disseminated to customers

Citizenship

Demonstrate the University Values at all times through leadership performance and behaviour

Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development

Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support help and advice

Provide mentoring support (informally and formally)

Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activities

Build partnerships to advance the Universitys strategy

This job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve including objectives to help your career development.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications must be submitted by midnight onWednesday 19th November 2025.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

DescriptionRole: Lifelong Learning & Partnerships StrategistSalary: GradeContract Type: Full Time (1 FTE) Fixed Term (Until July 2026)Organisation Name: Heriot-Watt OnlineAbout our Directorate and TeamHeriot-Watt University has a proud 25-year legacy of delivering world-class online and distance lea...