Senior Manager Partnership Relationships (1946)
Senior Manager Partnership Relationships
Full Time - Permanent
Salary - £44,746 - £56,535
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.
The Senior Manager Partnership Relationships, is a key role within the External Collaborations directorate, responsible for the professional oversight and development of the university's portfolio of collaborative partnerships with educational providers. Reporting to the Director of Collaborative Relationships, the postholder ensures all partnerships are managed proactively, efficiently and in full compliance with contractual obligations, university regulations and statutory requirements (including Data Protection, UKVI and Equality & Diversity). This role involves leading on critical processes such as Periodic Reviews, Annual Monitoring and strategic account management, while fostering an inclusive approach aligned with university values. The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader with significant senior administrative experience in UK higher education, comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks and a proven ability to analyse complex data and processes to drive strategic improvement. The role carries direct line management responsibility for Relationship Managers and Senior Partnership officers, requiring strong leadership, motivational and developmental skills.
What we offer:
- A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
- Training & development support opportunities
- Contributory pension scheme
- Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- A range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Dr Ayoub Zouria on ayoub.zouria@bnu.ac.uk.
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Louise Williams on louise.williams@bnu.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 4th January 2026
Interview Date: W/C 19th January 2026
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Senior Manager Partnership Relationships |
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College/Directorate: External Collaborations |
Grade: H |
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Location: High Wycombe |
Hours: 37 |
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Responsible to: Director of Collaborative Relationships |
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Responsible for: Relationships Manager / Senior Partnership Relationships Officer |
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Job Purpose: The purpose is to provide proactive, efficient and professional leadership of collaborative relationships with educational partners across a range of educational settings in line with contractual commitments. To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- In adherence with the University’s regulations, policies and procedures; provide an effective and professional service to the education provider and internal stakeholders.
- To ensure accurate data capture, analysis, uploading, checking and tracking of information pertaining to academic administration and the student record. In doing so ensure compliance with the University’s document retention schedule, Freedom of Information and Data Protection requirements.
- To reflect on and evaluate the operation of administrative processes and contribute to External Collaborations in promoting new ideas in relation to more effective account management.
- To plan and deliver on allocated tasks such as, but not limited to;
- Periodic Reviews
- University Policy, Regulations and Procedures
- Key Account management
- Partner Staff Approval
- Adherence to contractual KPI’s
- Information for and communication with stakeholders
- Operations and Strategic Boards
- Annual Monitoring Reviews
- External Collaborations Board
- To be actively engaged with internal working groups and to proactively implement agreed process changes within the University.
- To adopt and demonstrate behaviours aligned to the University’s values.
- To keep abreast of sector developments and best practice and undertake CPD as relevant to the role
- There may be a requirement for these duties to be carried out across different sites within the University.
- To undertake any other duties working flexibly across External Collaboration with the grade of the post, as required by the PVC External Collaborations.
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
- Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing.
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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Evidence of Professional engagement and CPD |
A |
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First degree and post graduate qualification or equivalent |
A |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Delivering an excellent customer experience |
A/I |
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Experienced senior administrator |
A/I |
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Experience of committee servicing/minute taking |
A/I |
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Experience of dealing with sensitive casework |
A/I |
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Experience of problem solving |
A/I |
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Experience of educational working practices |
A/I |
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Knowledge of Higher Education systems, process and procedures in the UK |
A/I |
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Experience of analysing and reflecting on data and process and proposing change and solutions |
A/I |
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Comprehensive awareness of data protection, freedom of information, and consumer rights legislation, and the implications for policy, practice, and decision-making. |
A/I |
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Skills |
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Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools |
A/I |
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels across the organisation |
A/I |
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Excellent written and oral communication skills including report writing |
A/I |
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Proven organisational and planning skills |
A/I |
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Ability to work as part of a team |
A/I |
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Proactive and flexible attitude to work |
A/I |
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Proven ability of working well under pressure, to deadlines and with minimal supervision |
A/I |
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Good IT skills using MS packages and databases |
A/I |
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Good time management skills, with the ability to manage simultaneous projects to deadlines |
A/I |
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Methodical and accurate approach – meticulous attention to detail |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness to work flexible hours as required during peak work times |
I |
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Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas as required |
I |
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:
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Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
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Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
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