Avis Budget Group
Head of Partnerships
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Role Overview
The Head of Partnerships is responsible for managing ABG's most critical commercial partnerships in the UK, including airports, key local market locations, and Sub-Licensee partners. The role leads complex, cross-functional programmes and strategic projects from initiation through to implementation, coordinates responses to airport tenders, and negotiates agreements and leases with the objective of expanding a profitable network.
Working with senior leaders, operational teams, and enabling functions, the role translates strategic priorities into clear delivery plans, manages risks and dependencies, and maintains momentum through to successful delivery. The role requires strong stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and the ability to bring structure, pace, and accountability to complex initiatives. As a member of the UK Leadership Team, the role works closely with the Head of Operations and Head of Property and Facilities.
Responsibilities
- Strong commercial understanding of the UK business and P&L; full ownership of P&L line items linked to the role (Variable Places Budget and Sub-Licensee revenue line).
- Oversee the relationship between ABG UK and the Sub-Licensee network to deliver profitable growth for all parties.
- Lead complex programmes and projects from initial concept through to implementation and transition into business as usual.
- Translate strategic objectives into clear delivery plans, milestones, workstreams, and accountabilities.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure actions and dependencies are actively managed; identify barriers to delivery and work proactively with stakeholders to resolve them.
- Provide concise and accurate reporting to sponsors, programme boards, and senior leaders.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational managers; lead delivery through teams where contributors may not report directly to the role.
- Facilitate decision-making, resolve competing priorities, and constructively challenge where delivery is at risk.
- Support the development of business cases and investment proposals; monitor programme budgets with Finance and commercial colleagues to maintain appropriate financial control.
- Ensure the impact of change on people, processes, systems, customers, and operations is fully considered; develop implementation, readiness, and transition plans.
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Airport Relationship Management (own the Variable Places Budget in the UK P&L)
- Own commercial contractual agreements with airports and coordinate all commercial tenders, project managing submissions through to signing.
- Liaise with Legal on all contractual matters, including acceptance of concession agreements, and coordinate internal approvals.
- Act as key point of contact for airport partnership leads, attend and coordinate performance calls, and address ad-hoc issues relating to concession agreements, H&S, and location changes.
- Monitor performance against Guaranteed Minimum Payments (GMPs), feed back on risks and issues by location, and check and approve airport-related payments (fixed and variable).
Sub-Licensees (own the Sub-Licensee revenue line in the UK P&L)
- Support existing Sub-Licensee network partners to deliver optimum revenue and identify new partners to execute the UK network growth aspirations.
- Support the Sub-Licensee manager and guide new partners from initial meeting through to go-live, establishing infrastructure to develop partners and improve revenues.
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Network Development (own the corporate network development plan for the UK)
- Identify new corporate locations across the UK and develop compelling business cases demonstrating profitable growth opportunities.
- Negotiate leases with landlords in liaison with the Legal department, and project manage new locations from internal approval through to opening.
Initiatives (own the initiative plan for non-BAU programmes in the UK)
- Project manage the internal communication, execution, and roll-out of new revenue-driving initiatives in the UK market (e.g., Avis First Curbside Concierge Service, Self-Service Key Kiosks, Avis DRIVE).
Essential Experience
- Managing commercial partnerships/contracts (e.g., airports, franchise or licensee networks, or property leasing); leading complex, cross-functional programmes; and operating at senior/leadership level in a multi-site commercial environment. Recommend confirming with the hiring manager.
- Strong ownership and accountability, with an outcome-focused and proactive approach.
- Excellent planning and organisation; ability to bring structure to ambiguity.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Confident decision-making and problem-solving; ability to challenge constructively.
- Regular travel across the UK to airports, network locations, and partner sites, plus occasional travel for BVRLA industry meetings.
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