Partner Development Manager

Job Description

Overview

The UK & Ireland Channel Partner Team manages the top Scale Solution Providers (SSPs), Local System Integrators (SIs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Value Added Resellers (VARs) and Indirect Distribution Partners that service and support a broad range of Microsoft’s UK and Ireland based customers, from big Enterprise down to small start-ups.

The team’s mission is to guide Channel Partners to create profitable Microsoft AI businesses, whilst supporting their existing revenue streams. We do that by acting as consultants to leaders within our partners, helping them to maximise the opportunity for growth via Microsoft solutions and programmes, whilst also supporting their own transformation to become a Frontier Firm.

The Channel Partner Team is highly collaborative in nature and thrives when partners win with Microsoft technologies. Ultimately, it's the relationships we build with partners that inspires us. These partnerships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. Together, we are not just achieving business goals; we are creating a legacy of innovation and excellence that will shape the industry and society for years to come.

Focus on Small, Medium Enterprise & Channel (SME&C)

The Channel Partner Team is deeply integrated into SME&C to drive growth and market share across AI Business Solutions, Cloud & AI Platforms, and Security. Our approach is grounded in Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) acceleration, co-sell precision, and performance accountability, executed consistently across all solution areas and every stage of the sales cycle. We are committed to delivering on our segment and revenue accountabilities by aligning execution with measurable impact, fostering partner transformation, and enabling scalable, outcome-driven growth.

Partner Development Manager - Role Summary

As a Partner Development Manager (PDM) you will manage a portfolio of high-growth, strategic UKI partners. You are expected to bring your strong work ethic, enthusiasm, optimism, and passion to drive significant growth and change within your partner portfolio. Your challenger mindset, knowledge of the technology industry, market insights, understanding of the competitive landscape, and superior interpersonal skills will be crucial in empowering your partners to grow and win together with Microsoft. This role offers you the chance to accelerate your career growth as you engage with complex partner organizations, establish strong relationships in the C-Suite, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders to tackle complex issues. Your efforts will enable our partners to deliver market-defining solutions to our customers.

Why Microsoft?

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision and Alignment: You will lead your partners in the creation of an annual “Partner Business Plan” (PBP), which outlines the strategic vision and execution priorities that ensure alignment between the overall value of Microsoft and the Partner’s business goals.
  
  
• Partner Sales Leadership: You will act as sales leader with your partner, coaching their teams through pipeline and opportunity management, following Microsoft internal sales methodology. You will build a rhythm of business to ensure sales execution with partners in collaboration with a range of partner and customer aligned internal teams at Microsoft. You will coach your partner through resolving blockers to accelerate sales and act as the escalation point for complex situations.
  
  
• Executive Relationship Building: You will develop deep relationships with leaders of your partners, acting in a consultative capacity to ensure the annual “Partner Business Plan” (PBP) executes and delivers upon the jointly agreed outcomes.
  
  
• Internal Resource Orchestration: You will lead and orchestrate an internal team of partner aligned resources, from technical, co-sell and marketing roles, known as the “Partner POD”, to execute against the priorities outlined in the Partner Business Plan.

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Operations, Computer Science or a related field AND 5+ years experience in partner management, sales, business development, or partner channel development in the technology industry or related experience OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Business Science, or an Advanced Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or a related field AND 10+ year’s experience in partner management, sales, business development, or partner channel development in the technology industry or related experience OR equivalent experience.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.