WATERAID
Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager Contract type: Fixed term, Maternity Cover, full time 35 hours per week Location: London, UK. UK hybrid working a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person. Salary: £48,867 - £51,439 per year with excellent benefits Change starts with water. Change starts with you. Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people s potential and create a fairer future. About WaterAid We re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen. About the team The WaterAid Corporate Partnerships team is responsible for developing and implementing WaterAid s Corporate Partnerships Strategy which includes a focus on developing high value, high impact strategic partnerships. About the role As our Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing the Partnership Management team of six to deliver partnership excellence and work closely with teams including Communications, Global Policy and Campaigns and Country Programme Offices to drive sustainable change. In this role, you will: Effectively lead, manage and motivate the Partnership Management team to deliver partnership excellence. Coach and support the team to maximise partnership opportunities as well as resolve complex issues. Work closely with teams across WaterAid (eg Communications, Policy) to identify opportunities and deliver collaborations which deliver shared value for WaterAid and corporate partners Work with the Head of Corporate Partnerships, Senior Partnership Development Manager and Senior Private Sector Advisor to implement the overall Corporate Partnerships Strategy Champion WaterAid s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding. Requirements To be successful, you will need: A proven track record managing a variety of strategic, high value (6 figure) Corporate Partnerships that deliver shared value Experience of leading, managing and motivating others and driving change Endless enthusiasm, energy and the ability to work under own initiative and meet deadlines Ability to build relationships, network with, and influence, senior people both internally and externally Although not essential, we d prefer you to have: Experience of working in an NGO corporate fundraising environment Experience of managing at least three team members Closing date: Applications close at 12:00 PM (UK time) on Monday, 30 March 2026. Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage. How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and cover letter. We also have an open role for a Strategic Corporate Partnerships Manager. Please feel free to review this position as well if you think it may be more relevant to your experience. Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well. Pre-employment screening To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Benefits Our benefits: 36 days holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays) Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave Employer pension contribution up to 10 % Flexible and hybrid working arrangements Season ticket loan Free annual eye tests Give as you Earn charitable giving scheme Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity) Sabbaticals One paid volunteer day each year As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well-deserved break. These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances. Our Global Commitment: Our People Promise We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. Equal Opportunities We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. Safeguarding We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). Together, we ll change the world through water. Join us and be part of the change!
Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager Contract type: Fixed term, Maternity Cover, full time 35 hours per week Location: London, UK. UK hybrid working a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person. Salary: £48,867 - £51,439 per year with excellent benefits Change starts with water. Change starts with you. Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people s potential and create a fairer future. About WaterAid We re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen. About the team The WaterAid Corporate Partnerships team is responsible for developing and implementing WaterAid s Corporate Partnerships Strategy which includes a focus on developing high value, high impact strategic partnerships. About the role As our Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing the Partnership Management team of six to deliver partnership excellence and work closely with teams including Communications, Global Policy and Campaigns and Country Programme Offices to drive sustainable change. In this role, you will: Effectively lead, manage and motivate the Partnership Management team to deliver partnership excellence. Coach and support the team to maximise partnership opportunities as well as resolve complex issues. Work closely with teams across WaterAid (eg Communications, Policy) to identify opportunities and deliver collaborations which deliver shared value for WaterAid and corporate partners Work with the Head of Corporate Partnerships, Senior Partnership Development Manager and Senior Private Sector Advisor to implement the overall Corporate Partnerships Strategy Champion WaterAid s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding. Requirements To be successful, you will need: A proven track record managing a variety of strategic, high value (6 figure) Corporate Partnerships that deliver shared value Experience of leading, managing and motivating others and driving change Endless enthusiasm, energy and the ability to work under own initiative and meet deadlines Ability to build relationships, network with, and influence, senior people both internally and externally Although not essential, we d prefer you to have: Experience of working in an NGO corporate fundraising environment Experience of managing at least three team members Closing date: Applications close at 12:00 PM (UK time) on Monday, 30 March 2026. Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage. How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and cover letter. We also have an open role for a Strategic Corporate Partnerships Manager. Please feel free to review this position as well if you think it may be more relevant to your experience. Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well. Pre-employment screening To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Benefits Our benefits: 36 days holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays) Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave Employer pension contribution up to 10 % Flexible and hybrid working arrangements Season ticket loan Free annual eye tests Give as you Earn charitable giving scheme Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity) Sabbaticals One paid volunteer day each year As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well-deserved break. These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances. Our Global Commitment: Our People Promise We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. Equal Opportunities We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. Safeguarding We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). Together, we ll change the world through water. Join us and be part of the change!
Walk-In Media
City Of Westminster, London
ABOUT THE ROLE We're looking for an experienced Business Director to join our media planning and strategy team on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a senior client leadership role where you'll take commercial and strategic ownership of two high-profile accounts, working as an embedded partner to drive their growth and deliver exceptional results. You'll lead all aspects of the client relationship - from strategic counsel and commercial management to team leadership and agency coordination. Reporting to the Head of Planning and working closely with our CIO and MD, you'll be responsible for the client performance, strategic direction, and day to day excellence of these accounts. This is an opportunity to step into a genuine client leadership role within a fast-growing independent agency, where your impact will be visible and your expertise valued. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Client Leadership & Strategic Partnership Act as the primary senior client lead and strategic partner, working as an extension of the client's leadership team Spend regular time embedded in the client's office, building deep, trusted relationships at senior levels Lead regular one to one meetings with C suite and senior stakeholders to manage priorities, performance, and partnership health Provide proactive strategic counsel, translating business challenges into media solutions Challenge briefs constructively and educate clients on market trends, innovations, and opportunities Own all senior client communications, ensuring clarity, confidence, and strategic thinking at all times Champion Walk In's point of view and represent the agency as a thought leader in the market (as and when applicable) Commercial Ownership Own the commercial performance and P&L for your accounts, including revenue growth Lead client forecasting, ensuring accuracy and financial governance Drive commercial conversations with clients Identify and convert upsell opportunities, expanding scope and deepening client investment Maintain commercial alignment between client expectations and agency delivery capabilities Report on financial performance and business health to senior leadership Strategy & Planning Excellence Design and deliver impactful, effective communications strategies that align to client business objectives Lead strategic planning across the full media ecosystem - paid, earned, and owned - ensuring integration and coherence Ensure all strategies are insight led, data driven, measurable, and translated clearly into activation plans Own monthly, quarterly and annual strategic reviews, providing clear senior level narrative on performance, learnings, and forward priorities Lead econometric reviews and effectiveness analyses, translating insights into actionable recommendations that drive performance Champion test and learn programmes and innovation, bringing proactive thinking and future focused solutions to clients Integrated Agency Leadership Lead communications and coordination across all agency partners, acting as the senior point of contact Establish aligned ways of working, clear roles and responsibilities, and strong cross agency collaboration Act as the escalation point for issues, proactively resolving challenges to maintain momentum and trust Oversee end to end delivery across communications planning, activation, and ongoing optimisation Lead responses to briefs and RFPs, coordinating input from investment, specialist, and partner teams Own audit processes and responses, ensuring robust preparation, clear storytelling, and strong outcomes New Business & Growth Lead pitch processes and contribute to credentials presentations, representing Walk In's strategic capabilities Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing accounts and the broader market Support the agency's new business strategy and act as an ambassador for Walk In in industry forums and events Share case studies, learnings, and best practices to strengthen Walk In's market position Team Leadership & Development Line manage two Senior Account Managers and provide oversight of Account Executives across both clients Manage workflow, resource allocation, and team performance to deliver collective goals Mentor and develop direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching, and career development support Create learning opportunities and share knowledge openly across the team Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members Lead by example, demonstrating excellence in client service, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen Champion Walk In's values and foster a collaborative, solution focused team culture The Head of Planning will support your development through regular 1:1s, providing guidance on client work, team management, and your personal career progression. ABOUT YOU & YOUR EXPERIENCE Essential: Proven track record as a trusted senior partner and strategic advisor to clients, with demonstrable impact on business outcomes Expert in designing impactful, effective communications strategies across the full media ecosystem (paid, earned, owned) Deep planning experience across online and offline channels, with strong knowledge of planning tools (Nielsen, YouGov, TGI, etc.) Commercial acumen with experience owning client P&Ls, managing profitability, and leading pricing/contract negotiations Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience line managing and developing account teams Excellent communicator with the ability to present complex strategies clearly and influence senior stakeholders Subject matter expertise in media planning and a genuine passion for teaching and developing junior talent Proven ability to build strong, embedded relationships both internally and with clients Experience leading pitches and contributing to new business development Comfortable working in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple priorities We'd love if you also had: A collaborative mentality and passion for bringing people together across teams and agencies Specific interest in working within a fast growing, independent agency with an entrepreneurial spirit Tenacious by nature, with a track record of creating new ideas for clients and contributing to agency growth Experience working with econometric modelling and effectiveness measurement Knowledge of the latest innovations in media, technology, and marketing A point of view on the future of media and communications planning INTERVIEW PROCESS For this role, there are at least three rounds to the interview process: Stage 1: Initial Interview An initial fact finding conversation reviewing core competencies, your experience, and what you can bring to the role. To be held over Teams with the Head of Planning. Stage 2: Strategy Presentation A presentation responding to a brief, demonstrating your strategic thinking, planning expertise, and presentation skills. To be held in person at our Covent Garden office with the Head of Planning and MD. Stage 3: Final Interview A meeting with our CEO and CIO to discuss your fit with Walk In's culture, values, and strategic direction. If we require you to meet anyone else in the team, we will let you know during the process. ABOUT US Walk In Media's mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth for brands by bringing together all marketing activity into one connected ecosystem. We work closely with our clients for an integrated approach to their commercial success. We're a full service media agency offering brands the service, transparency, agility and breakthrough thinking of an independent agency, yet with the full specialist capabilities and global scale of a network agency (we're part of MSQ Group). At Walk In Media, we plan for outcomes We're a full service media agency, offering the agile fast response of an independent but with backing from the MSQ network which means we have access to a wide range of specialist services from Creative to PR to Data. The fact we operate as an independent means that not only do we deliver fast, responsive service, we also design the strategy & plans for the required business outcome, choosing the channels and partners exclusively on what's best for the client outcome, and not our bottom line. Helping small medium sized businesses scale quickly is what gets us out of bed each day. We enjoy the fast pace, the challenge of things never done before and using our expertise to help our clients' businesses grow. We believe brand and performance go hand in hand, so whilst we might look for outcomes in the short term, we'll always be planning for long term growth too. Alongside paid, we understand that the whole comms ecosystem has to work together as a well oiled machine to get the best results. We will happily advise clients when they need us, and also when they don't, guiding them as to where else in the ecosystem they should focus their attention. What does our best work look like? We plan for outcomes. Planning for an outcome is at the heart of what we do, starting with the objective and devising the best solution to reach that goal. Whatever capacity you come to us in, small brief or large . click apply for full job details
ABOUT THE ROLE We're looking for an experienced Business Director to join our media planning and strategy team on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a senior client leadership role where you'll take commercial and strategic ownership of two high-profile accounts, working as an embedded partner to drive their growth and deliver exceptional results. You'll lead all aspects of the client relationship - from strategic counsel and commercial management to team leadership and agency coordination. Reporting to the Head of Planning and working closely with our CIO and MD, you'll be responsible for the client performance, strategic direction, and day to day excellence of these accounts. This is an opportunity to step into a genuine client leadership role within a fast-growing independent agency, where your impact will be visible and your expertise valued. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Client Leadership & Strategic Partnership Act as the primary senior client lead and strategic partner, working as an extension of the client's leadership team Spend regular time embedded in the client's office, building deep, trusted relationships at senior levels Lead regular one to one meetings with C suite and senior stakeholders to manage priorities, performance, and partnership health Provide proactive strategic counsel, translating business challenges into media solutions Challenge briefs constructively and educate clients on market trends, innovations, and opportunities Own all senior client communications, ensuring clarity, confidence, and strategic thinking at all times Champion Walk In's point of view and represent the agency as a thought leader in the market (as and when applicable) Commercial Ownership Own the commercial performance and P&L for your accounts, including revenue growth Lead client forecasting, ensuring accuracy and financial governance Drive commercial conversations with clients Identify and convert upsell opportunities, expanding scope and deepening client investment Maintain commercial alignment between client expectations and agency delivery capabilities Report on financial performance and business health to senior leadership Strategy & Planning Excellence Design and deliver impactful, effective communications strategies that align to client business objectives Lead strategic planning across the full media ecosystem - paid, earned, and owned - ensuring integration and coherence Ensure all strategies are insight led, data driven, measurable, and translated clearly into activation plans Own monthly, quarterly and annual strategic reviews, providing clear senior level narrative on performance, learnings, and forward priorities Lead econometric reviews and effectiveness analyses, translating insights into actionable recommendations that drive performance Champion test and learn programmes and innovation, bringing proactive thinking and future focused solutions to clients Integrated Agency Leadership Lead communications and coordination across all agency partners, acting as the senior point of contact Establish aligned ways of working, clear roles and responsibilities, and strong cross agency collaboration Act as the escalation point for issues, proactively resolving challenges to maintain momentum and trust Oversee end to end delivery across communications planning, activation, and ongoing optimisation Lead responses to briefs and RFPs, coordinating input from investment, specialist, and partner teams Own audit processes and responses, ensuring robust preparation, clear storytelling, and strong outcomes New Business & Growth Lead pitch processes and contribute to credentials presentations, representing Walk In's strategic capabilities Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing accounts and the broader market Support the agency's new business strategy and act as an ambassador for Walk In in industry forums and events Share case studies, learnings, and best practices to strengthen Walk In's market position Team Leadership & Development Line manage two Senior Account Managers and provide oversight of Account Executives across both clients Manage workflow, resource allocation, and team performance to deliver collective goals Mentor and develop direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching, and career development support Create learning opportunities and share knowledge openly across the team Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members Lead by example, demonstrating excellence in client service, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen Champion Walk In's values and foster a collaborative, solution focused team culture The Head of Planning will support your development through regular 1:1s, providing guidance on client work, team management, and your personal career progression. ABOUT YOU & YOUR EXPERIENCE Essential: Proven track record as a trusted senior partner and strategic advisor to clients, with demonstrable impact on business outcomes Expert in designing impactful, effective communications strategies across the full media ecosystem (paid, earned, owned) Deep planning experience across online and offline channels, with strong knowledge of planning tools (Nielsen, YouGov, TGI, etc.) Commercial acumen with experience owning client P&Ls, managing profitability, and leading pricing/contract negotiations Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience line managing and developing account teams Excellent communicator with the ability to present complex strategies clearly and influence senior stakeholders Subject matter expertise in media planning and a genuine passion for teaching and developing junior talent Proven ability to build strong, embedded relationships both internally and with clients Experience leading pitches and contributing to new business development Comfortable working in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple priorities We'd love if you also had: A collaborative mentality and passion for bringing people together across teams and agencies Specific interest in working within a fast growing, independent agency with an entrepreneurial spirit Tenacious by nature, with a track record of creating new ideas for clients and contributing to agency growth Experience working with econometric modelling and effectiveness measurement Knowledge of the latest innovations in media, technology, and marketing A point of view on the future of media and communications planning INTERVIEW PROCESS For this role, there are at least three rounds to the interview process: Stage 1: Initial Interview An initial fact finding conversation reviewing core competencies, your experience, and what you can bring to the role. To be held over Teams with the Head of Planning. Stage 2: Strategy Presentation A presentation responding to a brief, demonstrating your strategic thinking, planning expertise, and presentation skills. To be held in person at our Covent Garden office with the Head of Planning and MD. Stage 3: Final Interview A meeting with our CEO and CIO to discuss your fit with Walk In's culture, values, and strategic direction. If we require you to meet anyone else in the team, we will let you know during the process. ABOUT US Walk In Media's mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth for brands by bringing together all marketing activity into one connected ecosystem. We work closely with our clients for an integrated approach to their commercial success. We're a full service media agency offering brands the service, transparency, agility and breakthrough thinking of an independent agency, yet with the full specialist capabilities and global scale of a network agency (we're part of MSQ Group). At Walk In Media, we plan for outcomes We're a full service media agency, offering the agile fast response of an independent but with backing from the MSQ network which means we have access to a wide range of specialist services from Creative to PR to Data. The fact we operate as an independent means that not only do we deliver fast, responsive service, we also design the strategy & plans for the required business outcome, choosing the channels and partners exclusively on what's best for the client outcome, and not our bottom line. Helping small medium sized businesses scale quickly is what gets us out of bed each day. We enjoy the fast pace, the challenge of things never done before and using our expertise to help our clients' businesses grow. We believe brand and performance go hand in hand, so whilst we might look for outcomes in the short term, we'll always be planning for long term growth too. Alongside paid, we understand that the whole comms ecosystem has to work together as a well oiled machine to get the best results. We will happily advise clients when they need us, and also when they don't, guiding them as to where else in the ecosystem they should focus their attention. What does our best work look like? We plan for outcomes. Planning for an outcome is at the heart of what we do, starting with the objective and devising the best solution to reach that goal. Whatever capacity you come to us in, small brief or large . click apply for full job details
