Senior Partnership Manager

ICF Next is one of the leading integrated communication agencies in Europe, specialising in large-scale campaigns across the European Union.

The Senior Partnership Manager plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining a robust and dynamic network of external partners that function as an extension of ICF Next's capabilities. Working in close collaboration with internal delivery teams, the Senior Network Manager will implement a comprehensive network-building strategy to ensure holistic coverage across all relevant disciplines and geographical locations. This involves strategically identifying, onboarding, and nurturing relationships with a diverse range of suppliers across Europe and beyond. He/She will proactively identify and address potential gaps in the network to guarantee a comprehensive and responsive resource for meeting ICF Next’s evolving needs, particularly for pan-European campaigns requiring localised expertise.

Why ICF NEXT?

ICF Next is one of Europe’s leading integrated communication agencies, specializing in large-scale campaigns for clients across the European Union. With over thirty years of experience, we excel in guiding EU institutions and related organizations through complex communication challenges. To learn more about ICF NEXT and find your ‘Resonance’, click here.

Main Responsibilities

Partnership Development and Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive network-building strategy, in collaboration with internal delivery teams and in alignment with ICF Next’s overall strategy, to ensure holistic coverage across all relevant disciplines and geographical locations.

• Continuously assess and analyse the network to ensure it meets ICF Next’s evolving needs, proactively identifying and addressing potential gaps.

• Oversee the community made of network members with the line management of one community manager.

• Set up community management mechanism to animate the community with internal teams.

Partner Onboarding and Relationship Management

• Establish clear criteria and processes for onboarding new network members, ensuring alignment with ICF Next's values and quality standards.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of network members within ICF Next’s CRM system, including their specialisations, availability, and performance history.

• Negotiate and manage agreements with network members, ensuring competitive rates and mutually beneficial partnerships.

• Act as a primary point of contact.

Business Development and Operational Support

• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., events, creative, PR) to identify network members who can support specific project needs.

• Contribute to business development efforts by identifying potential partners for calls for tenders and new business opportunities.

• Lead Network presentation for tender purposes (including digital brochure)

Network Branding and Marketing

• Create compelling presentations and materials showcasing the network’s capabilities and reach.

• Support ICF Next’s Management Team in participating in relevant industry networks and events (such as PROI meetings).

• Support ICF’s Marketing team in the creation of content that promotes ICF Next’s network, by contributing ideas and gathering information from network members.

Problem-Solving and Facilitation

• Provide support to project teams and network members in resolving issues that may arise during project implementation.

Performance Measurement

• Develop and implement KPIs to monitor the performance of network suppliers, satisfaction of internal project teams, and overall effectiveness of collaborations.

Budget and Contract Management

• Maintain a database of network partner rates and contractual agreements.

• Facilitate budget negotiations between project teams and network members, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to agreed-upon terms.

• Inform project teams of contractual obligations and/or special conditions.

Experience and Skills

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in partnership building, network management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong understanding of the EU institutions and their communication needs.

• Experience working in a communications agency or a related field.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Strong sense of initiative, proactive approach, and ability to work independently.

• Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Managerial experience is a plus.

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