Partner Development Manager

Job Description

Overview

With a vision to build and deliver Microsoft AI-powered platforms, cloud services, and devices through a rich partner ecosystem, the Worldwide Solutions & Services (WSS) organization brings together sales, technical expertise, and partners to help customers achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Within WSS, Windows & Device Sales (WDS) plays a critical role in shaping and delivering the endpoint platform that enables modern, secure, and AI-powered work. WDS operates across Microsoft’s commercial ecosystem - including OEMs, silicon partners, distributors, resellers, retailers, and services partners to drive Windows platform adoption, grow share, and maximize long-term value from device and endpoint investments.

The EMEA Sales Director leads both an internal team and the external partner relationship, serving as the single point of accountability for business performance and partnership impact across the region. The role combines people leadership, building clarity, capability, and execution discipline within a high-performing team—with senior executive engagement across assigned OEM partners. Success requires connecting internal strategy and field execution with partner priorities to deliver aligned, measurable outcomes.

In this role, you will be accountable for regional revenue growth, market share, and overall business performance across strategic partnerships, including HP and HPE. The scope spans the full device lifecycle and partner ecosystem, shaping joint strategy, influencing portfolio decisions, and accelerating adoption of Windows devices, Server, Azure Local, and AI-powered experiences. Operating in a highly matrixed environment, the role drives integrated planning, forecasting rigor, and cross-functional execution - mobilizing teams across product, marketing, finance, and sales to deliver sustained results

This role offers you the opportunity to deepen end-to-end business leadership across an EMEA wide partner-driven device ecosystem, spanning commercial & consumer segments, executive engagement, and cross-company execution at scale.

For Germany location: In line with our Flexible Work approach, for roles at Microsoft Germany, we recommend spending at least two days per week in the office or at the customer site.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end business ownership: Lead a complex regional business with accountability for revenue, market share, and performance across strategic OEM partnerships.

• Executive partner leadership: Engage and influence senior leaders at top partners (HP, HPE), shaping strategy, priorities, and joint outcomes.

• Matrixed leadership at scale: Orchestrate cross-functional teams across product, marketing, finance, and field to deliver aligned execution without direct authority.

• Ecosystem-driven growth strategy: Operate across a multi-layered partner ecosystem, balancing Microsoft priorities with partner economics and go-to-market dynamics.

• AI and platform transition leadership: Drive adoption of next-generation solutions including Windows as the canvas for AI, Copilot+ PCs, and cloud-connected experiences.

• People leadership and talent development: Build and lead a high-performing regional team, strengthening capability, bench talent, accountability, & execution discipline.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

Experience in partner management, sales, business development, or partner channel development in the technology industry (or related experience) OR equivalent experience.

People management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Windows, devices, and OEM or adjacent technology ecosystems

• Proven success across commercial & consumer sales, including channel & retail partners

• Demonstrated ability to shape strategy and lead through ambiguity

• Executive presence with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading strategic decision-making

• Strong business and leadership capability, including operating in matrixed environments, driving cross-functional outcomes, and owning revenue performance at scale

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.