Senior Manager: Growth & Strategic Partnerships

SUMMARY:
The role focuses on building high-value partnerships, growing existing relationships and strengthening the organisation’s market presence.

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and execute the growth and strategic partnerships strategy, with clear revenue and partnership targets. Build and manage a qualified pipeline across corporates, CSI\/ESG, foundations, trusts, philanthropists, government and institutional funders . Lead the full partnership lifecycle, including prospecting, proposals, pitches, negotiations, contracting, onboarding, retention and account growth. Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key decision-makers and strategic stakeholders. Develop compelling partnership propositions aligned to stakeholder objectives and organisational impact. Drive multi-year, sustainable partnerships and diversify the funding base. Support brand positioning, marketing, communications and impact storytelling to strengthen market credibility. Lead high-impact stakeholder events, activations and fundraising initiatives. Manage and develop the donor development team, budgets, suppliers and cross-functional projects. Monitor pipeline performance, revenue, partner retention and growth, providing regular management reporting. Ensure strong governance, ethical fundraising, confidentiality and compliance with relevant requirements. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Relevant Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, Communications, Development Studies or a related field. 8 years or more relevant experience in business development, partnership sales, fundraising, key account management, brand or marketing. At least 3 years management or senior specialist experience . Proven track record of securing and growing significant partnerships or revenue. Strong experience in pipeline management, proposals, executive-level pitches, negotiations and stakeholder engagement . Strong brand, marketing and communications capability, including digital channels and impact storytelling. Experience managing budgets, suppliers and cross-functional initiatives. Proficiency in CRM systems, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and presentation tools . Valid driver's licence and reliable transport. Willingness to travel as required. ADVANTAGEOUS Experience in nutrition, food security, education, child development, health, socialimpact or a related sector. Established networks across corporate CSI\/ESG, foundations, goverment or development funding. Experoencein a scaling NPO, social entrepreneurial provate-sector environment. Postgraduate qualification and\/or fluency in more than one South African language