Lead Specialist, Client Partner

Lead Specialist, Client Partner 

Role Overview

The Client Partner (E30) is an expert-level individual contributor accountable for driving growth, execution excellence, and strategic outcomes across Pearson’s most complex and high-impact client partnerships. This role owns the sell-to and expansion motions for assigned strategic accounts while working alongside the Senior Client Partner to shapethe account strategy, orchestrating pan-Pearson solutions, and ensuring disciplined execution across the full partnership lifecycle.

Operating with significant autonomy, the Client Partner serves as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders and an internal point of leadership across Sales, Solutioning, Product, Technology, Delivery, and Operations. The role balances strategic influence with hands-on accountability for client sales pipeline health, deal execution, governance, and executive communications—ensuring Pearson delivers measurable value and long-term partnership growth.

Key Responsibilities – Sales Growth & Strategic Pipeline Ownership

• Own and drive a robust, multi-year pipeline including new and expansion opportunities across all partnership sales motions.

• Lead renewals, expansions, and complex deal negotiations to ensure sustained growth and long-term account health.

• Establish and maintain clear visibility into pipeline health, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities.

• Alongside the senior client partner, shape and align a pan-Pearson sales strategy, working across internal sales teams, solutioning, product, central technology, marketing, and operations.

• Translate client needs into integrated, enterprise-level solutions aligned to Pearson’s strategic priorities.

Deal Leadership & Execution Excellence

• Serve as the accountable owner for complex deals, RFPs, and commercial proposals.

• Orchestrate cross-functional contributors across finance, legal, risk, procurement, and delivery.

• Validate completion of financial, risk, and quality reviews, owning escalation and resolution.

• Ensure deal structures, pricing, and commitments align with client and Pearson standards.

Governance & Executive Engagement

• In partnership with the senior client part, develop partnership governance rhythms including Steering Committees and Quarterly Business Reviews, owning the client side of the 360 relationship.

• Develop executive-ready materials communicating performance, risks, and growth opportunities.

• Act as a credible senior presence with client executives.

• Ensure accurate, timely communication across Pearson leadership and client stakeholders.

Operational & Portfolio Leadership

• Proactively manage complexity, dependencies, and portfolio risk across assigned accounts.

• Ensure continuity and momentum across partnerships when needed.

• Establish and evolve governance frameworks, account plans, and performance metrics.

• Drive executional discipline across sales-to-delivery transitions.

Relationship Development & Growth Enablement

• Deepen executive-level relationships and position Pearson as a long-term strategic partner.

• Identify and shape opportunities to expand into new markets, solutions, and business models.

• Foster innovation and co-creation with internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead key partner engagements and strategic events for all client sales motions and partner with the senior client partner for all 360 motions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in enterprise sales, strategic partnerships, or complex B2B roles.

• Proven success owning large, complex accounts.

• Track record of driving enterprise-level revenue growth and renewals.

• Strong understanding of RFP processes and complex deal structures.

• Executive-level communication and presentation skills.