Partnerships Associate Job Spindle Design

Partnerships Associate Job

About the role

Spindle Design seeks an experienced Partnerships Associate. This role requires a strategic thinker who can identify new opportunities and pursue partnerships to fuel Spindle’s growth. This is a high-impact, high-reward position where you’ll own the complete business development cycle from opportunity identification to contract signature, directly contributing to our mission of scaling human-centred innovation across Africa.

The ideal candidate for this role is an excellent communicator, storyteller, strategic thinker, and creative problem solver. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about connecting with people, creating innovative solutions and making a positive impact through design, technology and partnerships.

Why you’ll love this role

• Direct Impact: Your success directly translates to company growth
• Impact at Scale: Shape projects that touch millions—across health, finance, agriculture, and more.
• Freedom to Innovate: Craft your own sector strategies and experiment with new outreach channels.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside designers, researchers, and technologists who value your ideas.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify high-potential opportunities in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors
• Develop targeted sector strategies aligned with Spindle’s capabilities and growth priorities.
• Lead proposal development, pitch decks, and negotiations to secure new contracts
• Build and cultivate relationships with senior decision-makers across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors that support business development goals.

Pipeline Development & Systems Management:

• Implement & manage structured active pipeline management processes from lead generation through closing.
• Build and maintain a robust CRM system that provides visibility into our business development funnel to track interactions, follow-ups, and progress.
• Establish metrics for monitoring the effectiveness of business development activities.

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Work closely with Spindle Design’s research and marketing teams to align business development strategies with company objectives.
• Develop and execute business development plans, reporting on performance metrics and identifying areas for improvement.

Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership:

Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and potential market shifts to identify new growth opportunities.

Collaborate on building external content.

• Participate in speaking opportunities at conferences and industry events
• Support marketing initiatives that enhance Spindle’s market visibility and brand positioning
• Develop client success stories that can be leveraged for future business development

Essential Experience:

• 4+ years proven business development experience, B2B partnerships, or consulting with demonstrable track record
• Deep understanding of African markets, funding landscapes and business culture across multiple countries
• Strong network or demonstrated success in building relationships
• Experience working with startups, NGOs, development organisations, or impact-driven companies

Key Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional relationship-building abilities and executive presence
• Strategic thinking, research and business acumen
• Compelling verbal and written communication skills
• Entrepreneurial spirit: self-starter, data-driven, and comfortable with ambiguity & adaptability to different cultural contexts
• Passion for human-centred design and its transformative potential

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary + performance bonus
• Flexible hours & remote work days
• Professional development stipend (conferences, courses)
• Collaborative, inclusive team culture

How to Apply

If that’s you, we want to hear from you.

Click Here to Apply

We review applications on a rolling basis until August 10th 2025Partnerships Associate

Partnerships Associate