Partnerships Manager

Build and run business-to-business partnerships that drive revenue or distribution.

This UK partnerships manager career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£35,000 - £48,000
Mid-career salary
£55,000 - £80,000
Senior salary
£90,000 - £140,000
Work environment
Office or hybrid
Time to entry
2 - 5 years
Degree required
Often required
Category
Business, Finance and Legal

What a Partnerships Manager does

Build and run business-to-business partnerships that drive revenue or distribution.

  • Channel Partnerships - Manage reseller and distributor relationships.
  • Tech Partnerships - Integration and co-marketing with tech partners.
  • Strategic Alliances - Senior partnership work with strategic accounts.
  • Affiliate / Influencer Partnerships - Manage affiliate and creator partner programmes.

How to become a Partnerships Manager

  1. Look up Partnerships Manager roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Partnerships Manager - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • BD
  • Negotiation
  • Account mgmt
  • Strategy
  • Communication