Partnership Manager

About the role

The Partnership Manager will lead the identification, development and negotiation of strategic partnerships across a range of sectors, including education, industry and community organisations. This senior‑level position reports to senior leadership and focuses on building a robust pipeline that translates opportunities into measurable agreements.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, develop and negotiate strategic partnerships with employers, manufacturers, technical partners, CSR programmes, foundations, development organisations, educational institutions, communities and service providers.
• Build and manage a prioritized partnership pipeline, converting opportunities into structured, measurable agreements.
• Create tailored partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, concept notes and presentations.
• Lead negotiations and collaborate with legal teams on MOUs, sponsorship agreements and other contracts.
• Coordinate implementation, monitor deliverables, manage renewals and expansion opportunities.
• Develop employer partnerships that generate internships, apprenticeships, placements and graduate employment.
• Secure sponsorships, grants and in‑kind support such as equipment, tools and funding.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date CRM and produce regular reports on partnership performance and pipeline status.
• Ensure due diligence and governance to protect the organisation’s brand and reputation.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in partnerships, business development, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs or institutional fundraising.
• Proven track record of converting strategic relationships into signed agreements with measurable outcomes.
• Strong proposal writing, negotiation and executive stakeholder management abilities.
• Commercial mindset with ability to assess strategic, financial and reputational value of partnerships.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, early‑stage environment.
• Experience in education, workforce development, manufacturing, construction, real estate, energy or facility management is an advantage.
• Established networks across Nigerian corporate, education, development or industry sectors are a plus.

Required skills

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems