Strategic Partnerships Manager

Key Details

Job Title - Strategic Partnerships Manager (Technology / Software Development)

Work Model - Hybrid / Remote (minimum of 3 days in the office per week)

Job Location – Maple Cross, Rickmansworth (with occasional travel)

Freespace Overview

Our purpose is to organize the world’s workspaces to make them as hybrid-ready and efficient as possible. We operate in over 150+ cities globally, and our workplace solutions enable organizations to optimize their real estate, facilitate hybrid-working that engages employees, create safe and hygienic environments, inform office design and the drive to net zero.

About The Role

As Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to drive growth through partnerships with partners (i.e. referral, reseller partners). This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of how to effectively manage a partnership program. The role will work closely with several other Freespace teams (i.e. sales, marketing, operations, product) to generate leads and achieve business growth.

Roles & Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities associated with the Strategic Partnership Manager role have been included below: 

Strategic Partnership Development:

• Design, develop and operate a comprehensive Partner Management Programme
• Define clear ideal partner profile, create acquisition strategy, prepare commercial documentation and establish incentive mechanisms to activate
• Identify, prioritise, and cultivate partnerships with key partners that align with Freespace objectives and provide access to Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) customers
• Develop comprehensive partnership strategies to drive revenue growth, market expansion, and brand awareness
• Negotiate partnership agreements and ensure alignment of goals, expectations, and incentives for all parties involved

Relationship Management:

• Collaborate with sales to attract and on-board partners into the program and generate leads as part of ongoing discussions
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners, including referral, resellers, technology partners, and other relevant stakeholders
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partner enquiries, escalations, and strategic discussions
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, product, and finance, to ensure alignment and coordination in executing partnership initiatives

Channel Enablement and Support:

• Develop and implement channel enablement programs to educate and empower partners to effectively promote and sell our products or services
• Provide ongoing support, training, and resources to enable partners to achieve their sales and performance targets
• Monitor partner performance and provide regular performance feedback and coaching to drive sales and improvement
• Plan and execute events that are custom designed for partners to help them showcase Freespace to their clients

 Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification:

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and new partnership opportunities
• Stay informed about industry developments, regulatory changes, and market dynamics that may impact partnership strategies
• Proactively identify and capitalize on opportunities to leverage partnerships to gain a competitive advantage

Metrics Tracking and Reporting:

• Drive partner engagement metrics - conversations, contacts added, leads generated, revenue achievement and commissions disbursed
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of partnership initiatives and track progress
• Develop regular reports and dashboards to communicate partnership performance, insights, and recommendations to the SLT

Skills & Experience

• Proven ability to implement a global partner programme for a B2B Haas/Saas providers
• Knowledge of channel management best practices, ecosystems, and industry trends
• Proven ability to influence senior front end sales to drive local partner relationships
• Experience in Corporate Real Estate Technologies is highly desirable
• Proven ability in a sales environment
• Degree in business administration, marketing, or related field; MBA or equivalent
• Convincing demeanor to sell the benefits of partnerships
• Proven track record of success in developing and managing a partnerships programme, preferably in the technology, software, or SaaS industry
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate market insights into partnership strategies
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on driving measurable business outcomes and ROI from partnership initiatives
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and business needs

Behaviours and Mindset:

• Strategic thinker focused on a successful and long-term plan
• Collaborative and ability to generate strong relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Results driven mindset
• Understanding of customers and their pain points
• Analytical skills and a data driven approach to decision making
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower teams
• Ability to lead by example
• Flexibility and resilience to navigate ambiguity and overcome obstacles
• Strong commitment to integrity and transparency in all partnership dealings
• A growth mindset with a passion for learning, self-development, and staying abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies
• A creative and innovative approach to partnership development and pioneer new strategies to drive competitive advantage

Success Measures

• Partner dashboard with transparency on partner activity
• Robust programme (known partners, correct documentation, full training)
• A minimum of 10 new sales deals created per month from partners
• Conversion rate from partner leads to customer in line with best practice 

 Employee Benefits & Perks

• 25 Paid annual leave and 8 public holidays to support your work-life balance.
• Paid sick leave if you should fall ill.
• Life Insurance and Group Income Protection from first day of employment
• Private Health Insurance
• Pension plans to help you plan for your retirement.
• Getting you up to speed and contributing as quickly as possible with a comprehensive induction
• Access to funded training to support your career development
• A genuine chance to grow your career with Freespace through access to internal job opportunities
• Chance to refer friends to Freespace and earn money through our Referral Programme
• Global employee recognition scheme which gives us the opportunity to recognize success.
• Chance to get involved in shaping our culture and affecting real positive change by joining one of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• A creative and engaging company culture right across the business.

If you find yourself a suitable fit for the role, kindly apply through LinkedIn or you can share your profile at hremea@afreespace.com.