Strategic Partnerships Manager - EMEA

SkyCell AG; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote-friendly across EU countries

Company events & SkyWeek onboarding

Generous parental leave

Annual leave & public holidays

Job summary

SkyCell AG is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager - EMEA to build and lead SkyCell's relationships with freight forwarders at HQ and regional level, turning transactional shipping relationships into strategic, long-term partnerships.

You'll work across two types of accounts: specialised Clinical Trial forwarders, where you'll take direct commercial ownership, and global forwarders specialising in Cold Chain, where you'll build joint business plans and support adoption from the top down.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain partnerships, ideally with exposure to pharma or regulated cargo.
• Proven experience managing B2B partnerships or key accounts at HQ or executive level, with hands-on progression of opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to build trusted relationships across seniority levels and functions.

Responsibilities

• Own key forwarder relationships end-to-end and develop new partnerships at scale.
• Build strategic partnerships with major global forwarders and co-develop joint business plans.
• Develop programmes to strengthen engagement across forwarder networks and build long-term advocacy for SkyCell.
• Lead cross-functional opportunities by aligning Container Solutions, CX, and Airline teams.
• Maintain account plans, stakeholder maps, forecasts, and market intelligence with up-to-date insights.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Logistics partnerships

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Job description

We're looking for a Strategic Partnerships Manager - EMEA to build and lead SkyCell's relationships with freight forwarders at HQ and regional level, turning transactional shipping relationships into strategic, long-term partnerships. You'll work across two types of accounts: specialised Clinical Trial forwarders, where you'll take direct commercial ownership, and global forwarders specialising in Cold Chain, where you'll build joint business plans and support adoption from the top down. This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role at the intersection of sales, partnership management, and pharma logistics.

You'll help shape how some of the world's most important medicines move, working with major logistics partners on something that genuinely matters. The role offers meaningful ownership, the opportunity to build relationships with senior stakeholders inside and outside SkyCell, and the chance to help develop a partnership model from the ground up.

Location: We are open to candidates based anywhere within the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, with remote working available within these countries. For those based in Switzerland, we operate a hybrid working model due to our local office presence.

Why SkyCell?

Purpose-Driven Work: Make a real difference by contributing to a more sustainable future in global logistics and healthcare.

Innovation at Heart: Work with cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of supply chain innovation.

Stronger together: Join a supportive team of talented individuals from over 40 countries, where we work together every step of the way.

Growth Opportunities: We believe in investing in our people – continuous learning and development are key pillars of SkyCell.

Award-Winning Culture: Join a workplace recognized for its commitment to excellence with a 'Great Place to work' award, as well as a Platinum Ecovadis rating highlighting our sustainability and employee well-being.

What You'll Do:

• Own key forwarder relationships end-to-end: Develop new partnerships, grow existing accounts, and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders that support adoption at scale
• Build strategic partnerships with major global forwarders: Align with leadership on joint business plans, co-develop continuous improvement initiatives around cost and reliability, and position SkyCell as a trusted co-innovation partner
• Support adoption and engagement: Develop programmes that strengthen engagement across forwarder networks and build long-term advocacy for SkyCell
• Lead opportunities cross-functionally: Act as the functional lead when a forwarder relationship creates a commercial opportunity, bringing together Container Solutions, CX, and Airline teams to develop and progress it
• Maintain strong account and pipeline insight: Keep account plans, stakeholder maps, forecasts, and market intelligence accurate and up to date, sharing relevant insights across the business

What Success Looks Like:

• Forwarder-driven revenue is growing through new partnerships, expanded lanes, container adoption, and strong execution
• Forwarders actively position SkyCell and advocate for its value within their organisations
• Relationships with forwarders are developing from transactional to strategic, trusted partnerships
• SkyCell's programmes and product suite are seeing growing adoption across your accounts
• Your pipeline and account plans are well maintained, providing clear visibility of opportunities and priorities

What You'll Bring:

• Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain partnerships, ideally with exposure to pharma or another regulated, high-value cargo segment
• Proven experience managing B2B partnerships or key accounts at HQ or executive level, combined with the ability to work hands-on to progress opportunities
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across seniority levels and functions
• A strategic and commercially minded approach, with the ability to develop joint business plans, identify opportunities, and translate them into action
• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work independently while bringing together colleagues and specialists to achieve shared outcomes

If you don't meet every requirement but bring relevant experience, we'd still like to hear from you.

What's In It For You?

Flexibility & Balance: Flexible working hours and work-life balance allow you to tailor work to fit your life.

Recognition & Growth: Opportunities for career advancement in a company that values your contributions.

Flexible ways of working: Our global teams work across our offices in Zurich, Zug, Hyderabad and Basel, with a mix of on-site, hybrid and remote working. Role-specific locations and working arrangements are detailed above.

Company-wide Events: Join us for company events to celebrate successes, build teams, and share our vision. Plus, new joiners experience SkyWeek, our immersive onboarding program.

Generous Maternity & Paternity Leave: Support for new parents with competitive maternity and paternity leave.

Annual Leave & Bank Holidays: Enjoy a generous annual leave package, plus local bank holidays to recharge and unwind.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We're not just offering a job; we're offering a chance to be part of something bigger. At SkyCell, you'll help build a future where pharmaceutical delivery is efficient, sustainable, and transformative.

Stay Connected with SkyCell

Visit http://www.skycell.ch and explore #WeAreSkyCell on LinkedIn

If you have any questions, you can contact our Talent Team ([e-mail]).

SkyCell AG is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

For this position, if you are not located in, or able to relocate (without sponsorship) to one of the advertised locations, your application cannot be considered.