Director, Partner Programs

Equinix, Inc.; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 213,000 - 319,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

US Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Equinix, Inc. in Redwood City seeks a strategic Partner Programs Leader to design and govern the global partner program, spanning Sales, Services, and Technology. You will own architecture, incentives, and run models to drive partner performance and alignment with GTM transformation.

You will lead day-to-day operations, ensure compliance, and collaborate with Finance and Legal to optimize program investment while delivering measurable impact for partners and the business.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in partner program management, channel strategy, or indirect GTM roles in enterprise technology or infrastructure.
• Deep technical knowledge of partner program architecture — tier models, incentive mechanics, MDF governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience running partner programs operationally — managing compliance, performance, and partner disputes day to day.
• Familiarity with partner archetypes (resellers, MSPs, system integrators, or technology partners).
• Experience measuring program performance and using data to drive program design improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and architecture of the partner program track - Sales, Services, or Technology - including tier structure, qualification criteria, incentive mechanics, and specialization frameworks.
• Translate the factory operating model's commercial logic into program design that motivates partners to invest in the relationship and grow their contribution.
• Ensure the program is commercially compelling — partners in this track have a clear, quantifiable answer to 'Why Equinix?'.
• Design MDF and other funding programs governance and allocation methodology for the track — ensuring co-investment is directed toward the highest-value partner behaviors.
• Own the day-to-day operations of the program — partner compliance, performance monitoring, exception handling, and business process issue resolution.
• Manage the run model for the program — ensuring partners are compliant with program terms, performing against tier requirements, and receiving the benefits they have earned.
• Act as the escalation point for program-level issues — resolving partner disputes, program exceptions, and operational gaps that require judgment.
• Define and track the KPIs for the program — partner tier attainment, program ROI, compliance rates, partner NPS within the program and bookings contribution.
• Maintain the financial case for program investment within the track — understanding cost of program vs. commercial return.
• Report on program health to the extended partner organization and feed performance intelligence into program redesign cycles.
• Cross-Functional Alignment
• Work with leadership to ensure the track designs are consistent with and complementary to the business needs.
• Partner with Partner Experience and Support to ensure program terms are navigable and operationally executable for partners.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal on program investment, incentive structures, and contractual compliance.

Skills

Partner program management

Channel strategy

Indirect GTM

Operational performance

Data-driven design

Collaboration

Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact.

You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

The Partner Programs Leader owns the architecture, design, execution and management of Equinix's global partner program and all respective tracks — Sales, Services, and Technology. This is a builder role.

The current partner program is being fundamentally redesigned as part of the GTM transformation, and this leader is responsible for designing the program track from the ground up: defining tiers, incentive mechanics, specializations, compliance requirements, and the run model that keeps the program healthy over time. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of partner program architecture and the ability to translate commercial strategy into programs that motivate the right partner behaviors.

Responsibilities

Partner Program Design (Design / Strategy)

• Own the design and architecture of the partner program track - Sales, Services, or Technology - including tier structure, qualification criteria, incentive mechanics, and specialization frameworks.
• Translate the factory operating model's commercial logic into program design that motivates partners to prioritize Equinix, invest in the relationship, and grow their contribution.
• Ensure the program is commercially compelling — partners in this track have a clear, quantifiable answer to 'Why Equinix?'.
• Design MDF and other forms of funding programs governance and allocation methodology for the track — ensuring co-investment is directed toward the highest-value partner behaviors.

Program Operations (Run / Compliance)

• Own the day-to-day operations of the program — partner compliance, performance monitoring, exception handling, and business process issue resolution.
• Manage the run model for the program — ensuring partners are compliant with program terms, performing against tier requirements, and receiving the benefits they have earned.
• Act as the escalation point for program-level issues — resolving partner disputes, program exceptions, and operational gaps that require judgment.

Program Performance Management

• Define and track the KPIs for the program — partner tier attainment, program ROI, compliance rates, partner NPS within the program and bookings contribution.
• Maintain the financial case for program investment within the track — understanding cost of program vs. commercial return.
• Report on program health to the extended partner organization and feed performance intelligence into program redesign cycles.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Work with leadership to ensure the track designs are consistent with and complementary to the business needs.
• Partner with Partner Experience and Support to ensure program terms are navigable and operationally executable for partners.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal on program investment, incentive structures, and contractual compliance.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Experiences

• 7+ years in partner program management, channel strategy, or indirect GTM roles in enterprise technology or infrastructure.
• Deep technical knowledge of partner program architecture — has designed or significantly redesigned program structures including tier models, incentive mechanics, MDF governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience running partner programs operationally — managing compliance, performance, and partner disputes day to day.
• Familiarity with partner archetypes appropriate to the track (resellers, MSPs, system integrators, or technology partners).
• Experience measuring program performance and using data to drive program design improvements.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to execute at speed while navigating a complex environment.
• Commercial rigor — designs programs with a clear commercial logic and can defend the investment case to Finance.
• Operational discipline — manages program compliance and operations with precision and without unnecessary friction.
• Partner advocacy — designs from the partner's perspective and understands what a compelling program looks like from the outside.
• Analytical mindset — uses program data to identify gaps, opportunities, and design improvements.
• Collaboration — works effectively across tracks and functions to ensure program coherence across the full partner portfolio.

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 213,000 - 319,000 USD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program

An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits

• Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members.
• Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affluent employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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This posting is a new position within our organization.