Strategic Partnerships Manager

Job Overview

The Strategic Partnerships Manager is responsible for identifying, building, and nurturing strategic partnerships that drive business growth and expansion. This role focuses on forming mutually beneficial relationships with external organizations, such as vendors, suppliers, technology partners, and other stakeholders, to support the company's long-term objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of business strategy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex partnership negotiations and collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Identification & Evaluation

• Research and identify potential strategic partners that align with the company’s business goals, values, and market opportunities.
• Evaluate the potential of new partnerships, analyzing the financial, strategic, and operational benefits for the company.
• Stay informed about industry trends and identify emerging opportunities for partnerships that can drive business growth and competitive advantage.
  
  

Relationship Building & Networking

• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders at partner organizations, including executives, decision-makers, and other influencers.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to identify new partnership opportunities and maintain visibility within the market.
• Act as the company’s primary liaison with strategic partners, maintaining regular communication and ensuring alignment between both parties.
  
  

Partnership Negotiation & Contract Management

• Lead the negotiation of partnership terms, including contract agreements, financial arrangements, and service level expectations.
• Work closely with legal, finance, and other internal teams to ensure that partnership agreements are mutually beneficial and legally compliant.
• Manage the lifecycle of strategic partnerships, from initial discussions and contract negotiation to ongoing partnership management and renewal.
  
  

Partnership Strategy Development

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and refine the company’s partnership strategy, ensuring that new partnerships align with the company’s long-term goals and growth objectives.
• Identify areas for synergy between partners, such as joint marketing initiatives, co-branded campaigns, and cross-promotions, to drive mutual business success.
• Develop and implement partnership frameworks, metrics, and KPIs to assess the performance and impact of each partnership.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with sales, marketing, product, and operations teams to ensure partnerships are fully integrated into the company’s business strategy and operations.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align product offerings, sales initiatives, and marketing campaigns with the needs and goals of strategic partners.
• Support the development of joint go-to-market strategies with partners, ensuring seamless execution and mutual benefits.
  
  

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Develop and maintain reports that track the success and performance of strategic partnerships, including revenue generated, customer acquisition, and market expansion.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on the status of key partnerships, including successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Use data-driven insights to optimize partnership strategies and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
  
  

Partnership Optimization & Problem Solving

• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of existing partnerships and identify areas for improvement, optimization, or expansion.
• Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise within partnerships, ensuring that relationships remain productive and mutually beneficial.
• Proactively manage risks within partnerships and find solutions to ensure the partnership continues to provide value to both parties.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of partnership coordinators or analysts, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
• Foster a collaborative environment and encourage knowledge sharing and professional development within the partnerships team.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or a similar role, with a proven track record of successful partnership development.
• Strong understanding of business strategy, relationship management, and partnership dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with executives, clients, and internal teams.
• Ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to assess and report on the performance of partnerships using key metrics and data-driven insights.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a specific industry (e.g., technology, healthcare, e-commerce) may be an advantage.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related advanced qualification is a plus.
• Familiarity with contract negotiation, legal agreements, and financial structuring of partnerships.
• Experience with digital marketing or sales strategy to align partnerships with growth initiatives.
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of new partnerships successfully secured and launched.
• Revenue or customer growth generated from strategic partnerships.
• Performance of partnerships based on mutually agreed-upon metrics (e.g., joint campaigns, cross-selling initiatives).
• Renewal rate and long-term retention of key strategic partnerships.
• Overall contribution of strategic partnerships to business objectives and market expansion.