Partnership Manager (Schools)

Converge Technology Solutions UK: A Commitment to Inclusivity, Innovation, and Sustainability
 

Converge Technology Solutions UK, the trading names of Stone Technologies Limited based in Staffordshire, UK, designing industry specific IT solutions for each and every client. An IT reseller and IT manufacturer as well as having an award-winning IT recycling facility.
 

Standing out as an innovative, highly accredited market leader with exceptional employee engagement. Our core values are clear, with sustainability at the heart of our activities.
 

Inclusivity and Support:We believe that everyone is welcome and will always be supported in their career with us. We encourage our people to bring their authentic selves to work, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Disability Confident Employer, Care Leaver Covenant and Foster Friendly accreditations are a testament to our commitment to these principles.
 

Nurturing Diversity:Our support for employees and embrace of diversity go beyond policies and procedures. We provide an environment that nurtures inclusivity and engagement. From comprehensive training programs and a wide variety of apprenticeships to opportunities for community support with up to three days a year to volunteer, we create a space where employees can thrive.
 

Sustainable Practices:Built around sustainable business methods and a true dedication to delivering the best possible service to our customers, we believe in our people to always work with integrity and continually innovate. We understand that taking inclusion and diversity seriously is imperative to living up to our values.

Location: Homebased

Department: Sales and Marketing – Schools, Academies and Local Authorities

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Converge is growing, and we're looking for a driven and customer-focused Partnership Manager to join our Education Division. If you're passionate about building lasting relationships with schools, academies and local authorities, confident managing your own pipeline, and enjoy the challenge of winning new business alongside growing existing accounts, this role offers the perfect blend of relationship management, business development and strategic growth.

About the Role

You'll work alongside our Account Management team within the Education Division, introducing Stone's Education portfolio – Hardware, Infrastructure, AV and Licensing – to new prospects, while developing and growing our existing customer base.

You'll be responsible for managing existing customer accounts and contract business, advising and assisting customers with their needs, and identifying new opportunities to support and deliver growth in line with Stone's targets – through On Site and Virtual meetings

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the Account Management team with customer-facing site visits, working to achievable targets to drive Stone's education portfolio.
• Maintain a pipeline and forecast for Stone's core Education products and services, reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Director of Partnerships for Schools.
• Develop and expand the existing customer base through email campaigns, calling existing and prospective customers, postal campaigns, campaign follow-up and site visits.
• Deliver revenue and profit targets from your segment, proactively adding new clients monthly in line with KPIs and targets.
• Identify, manage and grow new business opportunities through effective prospect management and negotiation.
• Contribute to the development of strategies that enable Stone Group to achieve short, medium and long-term business plans.
• Oversee relationships with key customers and build a strong network of contacts across schools, academies and local authorities.
• Gather, maintain and record in-depth customer and competitor information.
• Handle customer queries and complaints professionally and effectively.
• Participate in customer events, conferences and hospitality where appropriate.
• Collate reporting and management information, contributing to daily, weekly and monthly sales reporting to monitor performance against targets.
• Act as a proactive member of the sales team, supporting and sharing information with colleagues.

What You Bring

We're looking for someone with a strong track record in business development or external sales, and a genuine passion for building customer relationships. You'll bring:

• Confident use of the Microsoft Office suite.
• At least 2 years' experience in a Business Development or External Sales role.
• Proven experience building and growing a customer database.
• Proven track record of sales performance against targets.
• Proven experience winning new customers through proactive prospecting.
• Ability to create and analyse data sets (desirable).
• Proven track record of customer liaison and relationship-building skills (desirable).
• Experience of, or an understanding of, the Education-Technology sector – Schools, Academies, Local Authorities and Frameworks (desirable).
• Experience of Presentations to customers at Schools & Multi Academy Trust Level

Qualifications & Desirable Skills

Essential:

• GCSE English and GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• NVQ in Business and Communications.
• NVQ in Selling Skills.

Who You Are

You're a confident communicator with great attention to detail and a genuine customer focus. You're a strong team player with a growth mindset, driven to build and improve your own performance, and passionate about representing the Stone brand across the education sector.