Partner Acquisition Lead - Business Services

Engine; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Hybrid work model

Bonuses/commissions

Job summary

Engine is seeking a Partner Acquisition Lead, Business Services, to architect and execute go-to-market strategies for complex partner ecosystems across professional services and financial services.

You will build relationships with C-suite leaders, negotiate multi‑million dollar partnerships, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations to launch and scale partnerships, driving revenue and growth at Engine.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of closing complex, high-value deals.
• Experience selling SaaS or technology to professional/financial services firms.
• Mastery of one-to-many sales motion and scalable partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute partnership acquisition strategy for business services and financial services partners.
• Source, negotiate, and close enterprise-level partnership agreements.
• Manage executive stakeholder relationships during onboarding.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations to launch partnerships.
• Track KPIs and report revenue from new partners.

Skills

Partnership sales

Enterprise sales

Go-to-market strategy

C-suite relationship building

Financial acumen

Job description

About Engine

Engine is the all-in-one travel and spend management platform trusted by 38K+ businesses and groups representing 1.8M+ travelers. We're the retailer and the rails of business travel, one of the fastest-growing companies in travel tech, built on a decade of proprietary technology, supply, and pricing no one else can replicate. Other travel and AI companies run on our infrastructure to book real trips, hold rates, and move payments, without building any of it themselves. We built it, AI-forward at every layer, from how travelers book to how the rails run.

About Engine

Engine is the all-in-one travel and spend management platform trusted by 38K+ businesses and groups representing 1.8M+ travelers. We're the retailer and the rails of business travel, one of the fastest-growing companies in travel tech, built on a decade of proprietary technology, supply, and pricing no one else can replicate. Other travel and AI companies run on our infrastructure to book real trips, hold rates, and move payments, without building any of it themselves. We built it, AI-forward at every layer, from how travelers book to how the rails run. That work has earned recognition as one of Fast Company\'s Best Workplaces for Innovators (2025), TravelTech\'s Reservation Platform of the Year (2026), and one of Built In\'s Best Places to Work (2020–2026). We\'re looking for bold, ambitious people to help redefine how businesses manage and experience travel. Working here, you can expect exponential growth, an ambitious pace, full ownership, and high-caliber colleagues who push you to do the best work of your career. Every hire raises the bar. Come outpace the ordinary and build the future of travel with us.

Join Our Journey at Engine

At Engine, we\'re revolutionizing work travel. Our modern travel platform isn\'t just about booking trips; it\'s about transforming how businesses and their teams experience travel. From seamless booking options with top airlines, hotels, and car rental providers to single-invoice billing and flexible trip modifications, we make travel not only easier to manage but also enjoyable. Backed by powerhouse investors like Telescope Partners, Blackstone, Elefund, and Permira, we\'re growing fast—and we want you to be part of it.

About the Role

This isn\'t a traditional channel sales role. We are looking for a proven leader to architect and execute our go-to-market strategy for complex, high-value partner ecosystems. As a Partner Acquisition Lead, Business Services, you will lead the development and acquisition efforts of our partnerships program across the business services landscape — spanning both professional services (consulting firms, staffing/PEO organizations, professional associations) and financial services (accounting integration ecosystems such as QuickBooks Solution Providers and accounting firms, financial advisory firms, and GPOs). This is a strategic role that requires a deep understanding of sophisticated \"one-to-many\" partnership models, a proven ability to build relationships with executive stakeholders, and a passion for creating scalable, multi-million dollar revenue streams.

Your Mission

As part of the Engine team, you\'ll play a vital role in an environment where innovation meets collaboration. Here\'s what you\'ll take charge of:

• Develop and execute the partnership acquisition strategy for our business services partners, identifying and prioritizing key players across both professional services (consulting firms, staffing/PEO organizations, professional associations) and financial services (accounting integration ecosystems such as QuickBooks Solution Providers and accounting firms, financial advisory firms, and GPOs).
• Source, negotiate, and close complex partnership agreements with enterprise-level organizations that drive significant new business and revenue for Engine by leveraging their portfolios, member bases, or client networks.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key executive stakeholders during partner acquisition and onboarding processes, including C-suite leaders and partners at target organizations, building long‑term alignment and mutual success.
• Successfully onboard new partners in collaboration with Partner Success, Partner Marketing, and Partner Program, driving post-signing momentum (partner referred deals).
• Collaborate with internal cross‑functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations, to launch and support new partnerships.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the corporate networks program, providing regular reporting to leadership. This includes the number and opportunity size of active partner opportunities in the pipeline, number of signed partners, and revenue generated from newly signed partners.

What You\'ll Bring to Engine

We\'re looking for someone who\'s ready to make an impact and grow alongside us:

• You are a strategic, financially‑minded business development leader with a history of closing complex, high‑value deals. You thrive on building new go‑to‑market motions and have a unique ability to sell through partners to unlock exponential growth.
• 7-10+ years of experience in enterprise sales or business development, with a proven track record of selling SaaS or technology solutions into professional and\/or financial services firms.
• Mastery of the \"one-to-many\" sales motion, with demonstrated success in structuring partnerships that scale through a partner\'s network, portfolio, or member base.
• Exceptional financial acumen and the ability to build a compelling, data‑driven business case focused on ROI, operational efficiency, and value creation.
• Proven ability to build relationships and close deals with C‑suite executives and senior partners at large, complex organizations.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with a bias for action and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment.

Ready to Build the Future of Work Travel?

Join us on our mission to transform how work travel works—for businesses, for travelers, and for the industry.

Applications for this role will be accepted through November 1st, 2026 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we may begin reviewing applications before the deadline.

OTE Compensation

In addition to a competitive base salary, our listed compensation range includes the estimated variable target. Your OTE (on‑target earnings) are based on several factors including your experience, expertise, and location. In addition, all roles receive equity. Your recruiter will share your complete compensation package as you move through the process.

Total OTE Range (Base Salary + Variable)

$220,000—$250,000 USD

The Engine Edge: Perks & Compensation

We believe in rewarding great work with great benefits:

• Compensation: Competitive base pay tied to role and experience, with equity for all employees. Some roles are also eligible for bonuses or commissions.
• Benefits: Check out our full list at engine.com/culture
• Environments for Success: Different roles have different needs in terms of the environments that drive success which is why we have a hybrid‑hub model. Whether you are in one of our amazing offices or fully remote, we\'ll make sure you have what you need to succeed.

Perks and benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and more