Head of Partnerships

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (Hybrid/Travel Across the Region)

Shape the Future of Specialist Care

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Partnerships to join a growing, values-driven specialist care provider supporting adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, and autism.

This senior leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives on building strategic relationships, driving sustainable growth, and making a meaningful impact within health and social care.

Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the organisation's partnerships and business development strategy, helping to expand services, secure new opportunities, and strengthen relationships with key commissioners and stakeholders.

The Opportunity

As Head of Partnerships, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the organisation's long-term growth strategy by:

• Developing and implementing strategic partnership and growth plans.
• Building strong relationships with Local Authorities, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), commissioners and other key partners.
• Identifying new business opportunities and increasing referral pathways.
• Leading high-quality bid and tender submissions.
• Supporting service expansion into new geographical areas.
• Working collaboratively with operational teams to mobilise new contracts and services.
• Monitoring market trends, commissioning priorities and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in business development, partnerships or commissioning within health and social care.
• A proven track record of securing new business and developing strategic partnerships.
• Experience leading successful tender and bid submissions.
• Strong knowledge of adult social care commissioning.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build long-term relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness with a strategic mindset.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable Experience

• Mental health, learning disability or autism services.
• Supported living, residential care or community support.
• Service mobilisation and contract implementation.
• Knowledge of procurement frameworks and commissioning processes.

What's on Offer?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious organisation that is investing in growth while remaining committed to delivering exceptional, person-centred care.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Influence organisational strategy.
• Build meaningful partnerships across the health and social care sector.
• Drive service growth and innovation.
• Work as part of a supportive senior leadership team.
• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people who rely on specialist support services.

Apply Now

If you're an experienced business development or partnerships professional looking for your next leadership challenge within health and social care, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today for a confidential conversation.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.