The Partnerships Manager is responsible for driving world-class account management and client service across Sumo, helping us build deeper, stronger and more valuable long-term relationships with our clients.
Working across all three Sumo verticals, the role sets the standard for what great client partnership looks like and supports Account Sponsors, studio leaders and commercial teams to deliver it consistently. They bring commercial drive, customer focus and structure to the way we manage our most important relationships, ensuring we understand our clients, anticipate their needs, follow through on our commitments and continually look for ways to add value.
The Partnerships Manager owns Sumo's account management framework, processes and cadence, but their role goes beyond ensuring that process is followed. They use the framework to drive action: identifying where relationships can be strengthened, where client experience could be improved, where risks need intervention and where there are opportunities to deepen or broaden Sumo's partnerships.
They work closely with Account Sponsors to translate long-term account ambitions into clear, actionable plans and ensure Sumo brings together the right people and capabilities from across the business around the client.
Supported by the Commercial Analyst, the Partnerships Manager uses client, relationship and commercial data to create a clear Sumo-wide view of account health and ensure insight leads to meaningful action.
Ultimately, the role helps Sumo become known not only for the quality of the work we deliver, but for the quality of the partnership and service clients experience when working with us.
Job requirements
- Strong experience in account management, partnerships, client services or commercial roles, ideally in games, creative services or technology.
- A strong client-service mindset, with a passion for building exceptional, long-term partnerships.
- Commercial judgement and the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen, retain and grow accounts.
- Experience turning account strategies into clear plans, actions and outcomes.
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with confidence working across senior and varied stakeholders.
- An analytical mindset, using data and insight to drive action and decision-making.
- The ability to create effective processes and structure without unnecessary bureaucracy.
- A collaborative, Sumo-wide mindset, connecting people and capabilities around the needs of the client.
- Experience of CRM systems such as Pipedrive and knowledge of the games industry is essential.
Benefits
Sumo understands the importance of having control over your benefits. That's why we offer a flexible, personalised benefits package designed to meet your unique needs, no matter where you are in your career.
Money: Flexible benefits allowance, salary sacrifice pension, benefits hub, payroll giving, an employee referral scheme (up to £1,000), financial/home buying consultations, workplace ISA and other schemes for tech loans, car loans and bicycles.
Lifestyle: Flexible working, 21 free choice days holiday, bank holidays, birthday day off, Christmas shutdown (Christmas Eve to New Year) and options to buy or sell up to a week of annual leave*.
Health and Wellbeing: Dental insurance*, income protection, life assurance, BUPA private healthcare*, leading EAP programs (remote GP, mental health, physio, nutrition, lifestyle coaching and medical second opinions), critical illness cover*, health cash plan* and funded flu vaccines/eye tests.
Development: Structured Personal Development, regular appraisals and 5 learning days per annum.
Extra Perks: A variety of in-studio perks, regular care packages, studio days out (family welcome), studio-led social activities (game jams, yoga, quizzes, life drawing and more), sabbaticals (at 10 years service) and annual gaming subscription.
*Opt-in benefits (part of our flexible benefits options).
Skills Required
- Strong experience in account management, partnerships, client services, or commercial roles
- Experience in games, creative services, or technology
- Strong client-service mindset and commitment to building long-term partnerships
- Commercial judgment and ability to identify opportunities to strengthen, retain, and grow accounts
- Experience turning account strategies into clear plans, actions, and outcomes
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across senior and varied stakeholders
- Analytical mindset using data and insight to drive action and decision-making
- Ability to create effective processes and structure without unnecessary bureaucracy
- Collaborative mindset and ability to connect people and capabilities around client needs
- Experience with CRM systems such as Pipedrive
- Knowledge of the games industry
What We Do
Founded in 2003, and celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, award-winning Sumo Digital employs over 1,200 people globally in the UK, Europe, India and Canada. Our 17 studios are in Sheffield, Nottingham, Newcastle (Atomhawk and Sumo Newcastle), Brighton (The Chinese Room), Leeds (Red Kite Games), Leamington Spa (Sumo Leamington, Lab42 & Midoki), Warrington in the UK, Pune and Bangalore in India, Wroclaw, Poland and Czech Republic (PixelAnt) and Vancouver, Canada (Atomhawk and Timbre Games). Developing successful games across all platforms and genres, Sumo is recognised for its versatility, proprietary technology and creativity across a portfolio of games featuring titles for major publishers including Microsoft, Sony, Sega and 2K. Sumo Digital is part of Sumo Group Ltd.









