Head of Strategic Relationships

Lead critical partnerships that power a regulated, customer‑focused business.

We’re seeking a highly skilled Strategic Relationships lead to take ownership of some of our most key partnerships within the insurance and financial services market. This is a senior, high‑impact role where you’ll shape the strategic direction, performance and regulatory integrity of our premium finance and technology partners.

If you excel at navigating complex, regulated environments, influencing both internal and external stakeholders at all levels and driving commercial and customer value through exceptional relationship management, this is an opportunity to lead at the highest level.

• Set the strategic direction for key partner relationships, ensuring alignment with business transformation, operational excellence and commercial goals.
• Work closely with divisional leadership and management teams to embed partner strategy across the organisation.

• Own and optimise high‑value strategic partnerships with premium finance and technology providers.
• Troubleshoot issues proactively, resolve friction points and ensure seamless service delivery.

• Maintain oversight of regulatory compliance across all premium finance activities.
• Apply existing FCA regulations confidently and ensure readiness for new and emerging requirements.
• Support SM&CR responsibilities through clear governance, documentation and oversight.

• Oversee partner‑related change programmes, ensuring smooth integration and operational alignment.
• Drive transformation initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

• Champion good customer outcomes and ensure the customer journey is understood, protected and continuously improved.

• Produce high‑quality MI, dashboards and insight to inform executive decision‑making.
• Monitor performance against SLAs, KPIs and financial targets, taking action where needed.

• Negotiate effectively to optimise commercial arrangements and maximise ROI.
• Identify opportunities to enhance value, reduce cost and improve partner performance.

• Strategic relationship management within the insurance and financial services market.
• Strong understanding and application experience of FCA regulations
• Ability to interpret, apply and monitor regulatory requirements in a fast‑moving environment.

• Skilled negotiator with the confidence to influence at senior levels.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to turn insight into action.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues and drive solutions.
• Understanding of customer journeys and how to optimise them in a regulated setting.

In return you will be welcomed and supported by our Ardonagh family joining an organisation that cares about you as a person and your wellbeing. Some of the other benefits are:

• Holiday entitlement of 26 days plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• 35 hour working week
• Opportunity to progress your career across the entire Ardonagh family
• Award-winning learning & development offering and support to obtain professional qualifications to enhance your knowledge and career prospects
• Pension scheme for when you feel it’s time to retire
• 24-hour Employee Assistance support for you and your family’s physical and mental wellbeing
• Corporate perks such as discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, shopping, Eyecare vouchers, cycle to work and much more
• One day paid volunteering to give back to our communities
• Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT) - raising funds for charity with donation matching in your local community
• The Spotlight Awards, where we celebrate the best of the Ardonagh Group and all the bright talent across our business.

We offer genuine potential for both personal and professional development, come and be part of our story and help us shape our future. So, what are you waiting for? Apply today and one of our team will…