Strategic Partnerships Manager

What you can expect to be doing

As Strategic Relationships Manager, you will lead and coordinate Dorset Council’s approach to strategic relationship‑building, working at the heart of the organisation within the Chief Executive’s Office. You will operate across directorates and with external partners to support senior leadership engagement on priority agendas.

You will:

• Lead the development and coordination of Dorset Council’s strategic relationships at local, regional and national levels, ensuring consistency, clarity and purpose.
• Support the council’s engagement in the emerging Devolution agenda, working with regional partners to shape effective collaboration and governance arrangements across the South West.
• Act as a key point of coordination between the council, regional partnerships and wider public sector bodies, helping align shared priorities and approaches.
• Prepare and provide high‑quality briefings, advice and narrative for senior officers and elected members to support engagement in regional forums and discussions.
• Represent the council, as appropriate, in regional partnership meetings, working groups and networks.
• Work closely with directorates to understand service priorities and ensure these are reflected coherently in external relationship management and partnership activity.
• Support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team on high‑profile strategic issues, ensuring strong governance, clear accountability and effective coordination.
• Operate confidently in a matrix environment, leading and influencing work across organisational boundaries on complex, cross‑cutting agendas.

About you

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent experience, with evidence of continued professional development.
• Significant experience of working at a strategic level within local government or the public sector, including engagement with senior officers, members and external stakeholders.
• A strong understanding of regional partnership working and the evolving local government and devolution context.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to brief clearly, build trust and manage complex relationships.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesise complex information into clear advice and narrative for senior decision‑makers.
• Political awareness and confidence working in a fast‑paced, high‑profile and sensitive environment.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Good IT skills and the flexibility to travel as required.

Experience of working across organisational boundaries or with regional and national partners would be highly advantageous.