GLL is looking for an experienced and motivated Partnership Manager, to join our leadership team in Cumbria.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader to step into a pivotal Partnership Manager role across Carlisle, Eden and South Lakes. Reward will reflect skills, experience, qualifications and location.
We are recruiting a Partnership Manager to lead the business and organisational performance of the Carlisle partnership. Reporting to the Head of Service, you will be accountable for ensuring the partnership is financially sustainable, operationally excellent and fully aligned with our charitable social enterprise purpose.
As the senior ambassador for the partnership, you will be the primary relationship lead with our local authority client and key stakeholders, nurturing strong, progressive partnerships while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accessible services to our communities.
The role is open to existing GLL General Managers who wish to take the next step in their career and to existing GLL Partnership Managers who wish to expand their portfolio, develop their strategic experience, and take the next step in their leadership journey.
About the Region
Carlisle, Eden and the South Lakes offer an exceptional blend of vibrant city life, market‑town charm and world‑class natural beauty. Carlisle provides a historic urban hub with strong transport links and a proud cultural heritage, while Eden’s picturesque towns and villages deliver a peaceful rural setting surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The South Lakes add a unique mix of tourism, outdoor adventure and a strong sense of community rooted in the Lake District National Park.
The region is known for its outstanding quality of life, with access to some of the UK’s most stunning scenery including lakes, fells, forests and coastline. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, water sports or simply exploring beautiful surroundings, the area offers endless opportunities for recreation and wellbeing. Alongside this, the cost of living is generally more affordable compared to major UK cities, making it a desirable place to live and work.
Strong local identity, supportive communities and a growing focus on health, culture and sustainable living make the region a rewarding place to build a career. With excellent road and rail connections to major cities such as Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow, the area combines rural tranquillity with practical accessibility. Carlisle, Eden and the South Lakes together provide a unique and inspiring environment for both personal and professional growth.
A relocation package will be available for the right candidate if required
About the Role
The Partnership Manager is responsible for driving performance across all facilities and services within the partnership, ensuring contractual KPIs, financial targets and quality standards are consistently achieved.
You will:
* Lead and inspire senior managers to deliver high levels of operational and commercial performance
* Ensure effective contract management and achievement of all specifications and KPIs
* Develop and sustain strong client and stakeholder relationships, acting as the key interface between GLL and the local authority
* Drive income growth and identify commercial and social value opportunities
* Champion customer engagement, service excellence and continuous improvement
* Lead the strategic development of the partnership, translating vision into clear business plans and measurable outcomes
* This role requires visible leadership across venues, regular engagement with managers and teams, and the ability to influence across a wide range of stakeholders including elected members, unions, community groups and external partners.
Delivering Against Our Six Strategic Themes
Aligned to our values and long-term ambitions, you will lead the partnership across the following key areas:
Customers and Communities at Our Heart
Build strong relationships with customers and community groups, ensuring feedback is actively captured and acted upon. Through effective quality assurance and data-driven decision making, you will ensure high standards are consistently delivered.
Partners of Choice
Maintain and grow effective relationships with the client, unions, stakeholders and community organisations. Represent GLL professionally, ensuring we are positioned as a trusted and high-performing partner.
Respecting the Planet
Ensure facilities operate efficiently and within legal and policy frameworks, embedding sustainability strategies and promoting innovation in energy, health & safety and operational systems.
Tackling Health Inequalities
Use your understanding of local demographics to shape inclusive programmes and targeted initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, social value and community engagement.
More Than a Job
Lead and develop a high-performing management team, embedding our culture, People Vision and strategic objectives. Champion professional development and continuous learning.
The Better Way of Doing Business
Manage complex budgets and contracts, challenge performance where required and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. Contribute to the wider strategic development of the organisation and prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership as required.
About You
* We are looking for a commercially astute, values-led leader with:
* Extensive senior management experience leading large venues and/or multiple teams
* A strong track record of delivering financial performance and service improvement
* Experience managing complex contracts, KPIs and stakeholder relationships
* Demonstrable success in leading transformational change
* Strong financial acumen and experience managing substantial budgets
* Proven ability to influence, negotiate and communicate at all levels
* Extensive project management experience across the full lifecycle
* A passion for community wellbeing and social impact
* You will be highly organised, analytical and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results to demanding deadlines.
Qualifications & Professional Requirements
Essential:
* Relevant degree or Level 5 Operational Manager qualification (or willingness to achieve)
* IOSH Managing Safely
* Society member (internal candidates)
Desirable:
* Level 5 in Management Coaching and Mentoring
* CIMSPA membership (Chartered Manager Fellow desirable)
Why Apply?
This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the strategic, commercial and social success of an important regional partnership. The role is visible, influential and rewarding, ideal for a senior leader ready to take full accountability for business performance and stakeholder relationships.
If you are an existing PM and interested in this position, please apply by submitting an expression of interest to the Head of Service, Tim Bestford directly outlining your reasons for applying.
If you are a currently a General Manager please submit your CV and cover letter via CoreHR in one document outlining your relevant experience, achievements and motivation for applying.