Partnerships Director

Watkin Jones Group is embarking on an ambitious new chapter, broadening our development strategy through the creation of a dedicated Development Partnerships function. We are seeking a dynamic, commercially astute leader to drive this vision forward.

This is not just a job. This is your opportunity to:

• Define and deliver a core pillar of our Group’s growth strategy.
• Act as the foundation for all Development Partnerships activity, working at the intersection of investment, origination, and delivery.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, shaping the future of residential development partnerships across the UK.

What you’ll deliver:

In this role, you will be responsible for building strong relationships with universities, investors and developers originating and appraising new partnership opportunities while working closely with the Group Investment Director to shape strategy. You’ll take ownership of the financial and commercial underwrite for your projects, ensuring robust returns and seamless collaboration with internal teams. Leading bids, negotiating contracts, and overseeing legal exchanges, you will drive deals from inception to completion. You will also take charge of project reporting, secure Investment Committee approvals and ensure performance against key metrics.

As a representative of Watkin Jones Group, you will engage confidently with both internal and external stakeholders championing our values and enhancing our reputation.  Additionally, you will mentor and develop team members, coordinate project teams and set the standard for excellence and accountability.

Your Focus Areas:

1. On-Campus Partnerships:
   Forge and lead consortiums with on-campus providers, bid for and deliver DBFO partnerships, and work directly with universities on strategic residential projects.
2. Off-Campus Partnerships:
   Cultivate relationships with capital partners and SME developers, unlocking new opportunities and leveraging Watkin Jones’ end-to-end development and contracting expertise to help unlock consented site opportunities.

About you:

We are seeking a strategic thinker with a proven investment and partnership experience, someone who is commercially sharp, financially literate and a natural dealmaker. You will be an inspiring leader who can build teams and drive performance, as well as a collaborative influencer who is comfortable engaging at all levels both internally and externally.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.

Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.