Claire Kidman
Frodsham,Cheshire
Summary
Strategic and relationship-driven senior leader with 16+ years' experience in partnerships, external relations, and high-profile event delivery across innovation, regeneration, and place-based development. Key contributor to the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool 2040 Vision, with a proven track record of building cross-sector alliances, shaping international strategies, and positioning places on the global stage. Skilled in stakeholder influence, place promotion, and delivering measurable outcomes that drive inclusive growth, investment, and global connectivity. Strategic and relationship-driven senior leader with expertise in partnerships, external relations, and high-profile event delivery. Contributed to the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool 2040 Vision by aligning it with regional innovation and net-zero priorities, driving regeneration and investment planning. Cultivated partnerships across sectors to enhance global positioning and promote inclusive growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Partnerships & External Relations
Knowledge Quarter Liverpool
08.2024 - 04.2026
- Contributed to the development of the KQ Liverpool 2040 Vision, working to align it with Liverpool City Region innovation and net-zero priorities, to support regeneration and investment planning.
- Building and deepening partnerships with universities, NHS Trusts, local authorities, and industry across the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, delivering programmes that connect health, digital, and research assets to boost inward investment and retain graduate talent in the city.
- A leading role in managing the consultation process for KQ Liverpool’s International Engagement Framework (to be completed April 2026), forming partnerships with global innovation districts, embassies, and networks, and coordinating delegations and missions to drive inward investment.
- Cultivating trusted relationships with senior leaders in government, regional agencies, and anchor institutions; representing Liverpool at national and international conferences to raise its profile and influence policy.
- Designed and implemented an events strategy that generates consistent monthly revenue, positioning KQ Liverpool as a hub for innovation. Introduced a new online booking system that increased bookings by 65%, streamlined administration, and enhanced the attendee experience.
- Advancing Liverpool's profile through branding and place-making strategies, embedding the KQ Liverpool narrative within the city's wider identity, and showcasing its impact in science, innovation, and civic transformation.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Achieved service time and quality targets.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
- Trained and mentored employees to maximise team performance.
- Met schedule using excellent planning and coordination skills.
- Maximised customer engagement and satisfaction by delivering excellent customer service.
- Prepared range of written communications, documents and reports.
- Developed excellent working knowledge of industry trends and improvements in processes.
Global Engagement and Partnerships Officer
University of Liverpool
01.2010 - 08.2024
- Supported the delivery of strategic partnership activities, hosted multiple high-level international delegations, and strengthened institutional relationships.
- Conducted in-depth research and prepared comprehensive itineraries, as well as senior management briefing notes, enabling informed engagement with international partners.
- Contributed to the delivery of 30+ online, hybrid, and in-person events across the UK, USA, and China, using Zoom and MS Teams to enhance global collaboration.
- Developed and refreshed website content, leading to improved cross-departmental visibility, increased web traffic, and stronger user engagement.
- Led the administration of pump-priming funding programmes, supporting staff and student exchanges, and fostering new research collaborations.
- Played a key role in designing and piloting the University's first Virtual Fellowship Programme, enabling innovative global knowledge exchange.
- Managed financial and administrative processes, including international travel bookings, meeting coordination, and liaison with senior leaders, to ensure operational efficiency.
- Acted as Health and Safety Coordinator, ensuring compliance with HASMAP standards, and achieving departmental audit targets.
Corporate Events Co-ordinator
University of Liverpool
11.2020 - 08.2022
- Rapidly upskilled to deliver online and hybrid events to a professional standard during the pandemic, ensuring a smooth transition to new formats.
- Delivered approximately 90 graduation ceremonies (Nov 2021 - Jul 2022) for over 22,000 graduates at a new venue, managing logistics for audiences of up to 1,000 per event.
- Produced briefing notes, event plans, and communications, showcasing strong writing, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Created and managed marketing campaigns (website, Eventbrite, newsletters, and press releases) to drive event attendance and visibility.
- Coordinated with speakers, panelists, and teams to ensure seamless delivery of internal and external events.
- Negotiated with venues and suppliers on contracts, budgets, and logistics to secure cost-effective, high-quality delivery.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and deployment, ensuring teams were well-prepared and effectively supported for large-scale events.
Clerical Officer
University of Liverpool
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Provided high-level diary management and PA support for senior leaders, preparing and circulating meeting papers.
- Implemented PDF software systems to streamline the preparation and distribution of committee, and senior management papers.
- Delivered clerical and administrative support for project work across the department.
- Covered the Office Manager role, successfully performing all associated duties to a high standard.
- Managed financial and budgetary processes via the university system, including the preparation and circulation of departmental, faculty, and operational plans.
Conference and Marketing Manager
The Liner Hotel
09.2005 - 04.2007
- Project managed the successful establishment of the Conferencing Office, creating systems and processes from the ground up.
- Managed the Events and Administration team, providing leadership, direction, and day-to-day operational oversight.
- Coordinated and delivered a wide range of events, including weddings, conferences, receptions, and business dinners.
- Engaged with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring strong relationships and smooth event delivery.
- Contributed to the marketing team, helping to develop a refreshed hotel website and brochure, to enhance brand visibility.
Education
ILM Level 3 - Leadership & Management
University of Liverpool
01.2014
BA (Hons) - Business Administration & Marketing
Liverpool John Moores University
01.2005
HNC - Business Studies & Marketing
University of Central Lancashire
01.2003
CLAIT & ECDL - Computer Skills
Hugh Baird University Centre
01.1999
GCSEs -
Deyes High School
Maghull01.1992
Skills
- Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- International Relations & Global Positioning
- Policy Influence
- Event Strategy & Revenue Generation
- Place Branding & Communications
- Innovation District Development
- Strategic partnerships
- Stakeholder engagement
- International relations
- Event management
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
Linkedin
Timeline
Head of Partnerships & External Relations
Knowledge Quarter Liverpool
08.2024 - 04.2026
Corporate Events Co-ordinator
University of Liverpool
11.2020 - 08.2022
Global Engagement and Partnerships Officer
University of Liverpool
01.2010 - 08.2024
Clerical Officer
University of Liverpool
01.2009 - 01.2010
Conference and Marketing Manager
The Liner Hotel
09.2005 - 04.2007
ILM Level 3 - Leadership & Management
University of Liverpool
BA (Hons) - Business Administration & Marketing
Liverpool John Moores University
HNC - Business Studies & Marketing
University of Central Lancashire
CLAIT & ECDL - Computer Skills
Hugh Baird University Centre
GCSEs -
Deyes High School