Partner Lead

• Drive growth through strategic partner engagement and vertical-based acquisition programs managing the Government and Defence portfolio.
• Permanent, Full-time. Salary from $115k - $130k + Super + Salary packaging
• Melbourne National office, genuine hybrid working model flexibility  

Discover life-giving possibilities  

Lifeblood is more than just a job or a career, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that matters. As an organisation, our purpose is simple: to give life. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood.

About the role

At Lifeblood, we’re expanding our impact through strategic partnerships that drive donor acquisition and collection growth. We’re looking for a Partner Lead to develop and manage relationships initially within our Government and Defence partners. This role is pivotal in delivering intermediated panel and collections growth through targeted engagement strategies and collaborative execution.

As our Partner Lead, you’ll work closely with Partner Marketing, the Partner Activation team, and other internal stakeholders to identify, trial and deliver acquisition activities. You’ll be responsible for designing and implementing vertical-specific strategies, leveraging partner channels to acquire new donors and recognise existing ones, and ensuring alignment with Lifeblood’s broader partnership and brand goals.

What you’ll do: 

• Strategic planning & growth: Identify opportunities for vertical-based partner growth and contribute to partnership planning using data, research, and donor insight.

• Partner engagement: Lead the design and delivery of vertical-based programs, leveraging partner channels and coordinating initiatives with the Activation team.

• Operational alignment: Monitor and report on partner performance, lead process improvements, and ensure consistent go-to-market activities.

• Stakeholder management: Build strong relationships internally and externally, applying change management strategies to embed initiatives across Lifeblood’s national footprint.

• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with Partner Marketing, Activation, and other Lifeblood divisions to ensure a unified approach to partnership growth.

Sound interesting? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Business-related tertiary qualification and experience in partnerships, marketing or business development
• Proven success in delivering change and transformation programs
• Comfortable working in a target, high-performance environment in order to deliver on KPI’s.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to influence and leverage relationships with stakeholders and partners
• Experience working with virtual teams across multiple regions
• Strong organisational skills

Wellbeing & Benefits

We place our employee's well-being at the forefront and express gratitude and care for one another. As an Australian Workplace Equality Index recognised employer and one of Australia’s menopause-friendly organisations, we celebrate diversity and support all our people.

In addition to being a part of an organisation that is the heartbeat of the Nation, you will have access to the following: 

• Ability to purchase additional annual leave 

• Access to salary packaging with an option to package up to $15,900 for living expenses and $2,650 for meals and entertainment 

• 14 weeks paid parental leave - no waiting period for either parent 

• Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone 

• Plus, many more! 

Excited about this opportunity and meet the criteria of the role? Apply now and discover a career filled with life-giving possibilities.

Next steps

When it comes to recruitment we like to move fast, this means we progress suitable candidates through the hiring process as soon as we can. 

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. You’ll hear from us with an outcome after your application has been reviewed and assessed.

If selected, you’ll be required to complete a few background checks and we’ll help you through this process. 

If you require any adjustments to feel more supported during our recruitment process, please reach out to us. 

For information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Rich on rwilkes@redcrossblood.org.au. 
**Please note we cannot accept applications via email so please apply online  

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team. We won’t accept candidates from external recruitment agencies on this occasion.