Partnerships Manager

About the Client Our client is a fast-scaling, tech-driven startup backed by leading software investors. Their AI-powered platform is designed to connect to existing tools, resolve questions, book appointments, and close deals automatically, 24/7, through voice, text, and email. The Opportunity The client is hiring a Partnerships Manager to build and scale their ecosystem partnerships. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role for someone who thrives in builder environments and wants to create a partnerships function from the ground up. You’ll own the full partnership lifecycle: sourcing, qualifying, onboarding, and growing relationships with software providers, marketplaces, referral networks, and distribution partners. Your work will bring the client directly into the workflows of marine management operators and, over time, into adjacent verticals. You’ll work cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success to drive integration, delivery, partner launches, and go-to-market initiatives. You’ll report directly to the CEO and play a key role in shaping the commercial strategy of the business. What You’ll Do Build the partner ecosystem Identify, qualify, and onboard partners across marine management software systems, storage systems, dealership platforms, travel marketplaces, and adjacent technology ecosystems. Develop and execute a partner sourcing strategy aligned with the client’s expansion roadmap, starting with marine management and extending into broader verticals. Build repeatable partner onboarding playbooks, including qualification criteria, integration scoping, and launch readiness checklists. Drive commercial impact through partnerships Collaborate with partners on referral programs, reseller opportunities, co-marketing initiatives, and joint go-to-market campaigns. Track partner-sourced pipeline, revenue contribution, and performance metrics to ensure partnerships translate into measurable business outcomes. Support partner sales enablement by equipping partners with positioning, materials, and training to effectively sell and recommend the platform. Coordinate integration delivery Work with Product and Engineering to scope, prioritize, and manage integration timelines, from initial partner requirements through testing and launch. Serve as the connective tissue between external partners and internal teams, ensuring integration work stays on track and partners have a consistent experience. Manage relationships and governance Own ongoing partner relationships through regular check-ins, QBRs, performance reviews, and escalation management. Maintain partner CRM records, documentation, and internal playbooks. Share structured market and partner feedback with Product and leadership to inform roadmap and go-to-market decisions. What Success Looks Like In the first 90 days You’ve mapped the ecosystem with a clear target partner list by category and a prioritized outreach plan. First partnerships are in motion, with at least two to three partners in active onboarding or integration scoping. Partner CRM, tracking, and internal documentation are set up and maintained. In 6 to 12 months A repeatable partner pipeline is producing qualified leads and contributing to revenue. Multiple live integrations are in market, with co-go-to-market motions running. The client is recognized as a trusted integration partner within the marine/storage management ecosystem and is actively exploring adjacent verticals. Partner governance cadence is established, including QBRs, performance tracking, and clear partner health metrics. What We’re Looking For Required 2 to 5 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or channel sales within B2B SaaS. Demonstrated ability to source, negotiate, and close partnership agreements. Strong project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple integration workstreams and stakeholders simultaneously. Builder mindset with the ability to create and refine partner programs, playbooks, and processes from scratch. Clear, confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills across technical and business audiences. Familiarity with SaaS products and API-based integrations. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Preferred Experience in marine management, storage systems, dealership platforms, or adjacent verticals is a strong plus. Experience working with marketplace or platform ecosystems where integrations drive distribution. Familiarity with modern CRM and partner management tools such as HubSpot. Experience in a high-growth or early-stage SaaS environment where you had to build the motion, not just run it. Why Join Build the partnerships function for an AI product in a large, underserved market, with a clear path to expand beyond the initial vertical. Ground-floor opportunity to join as the business establishes its leadership team and commercial engine. Direct exposure to integrations, go-to-market strategy, and product influence from day one. Competitive compensation and strong growth potential as the partnerships function scales.