Partner Manager, Partner Ramp Program (#1360)

Horizontal Talent; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 174,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent in the United States is seeking a contract partner management lead to guide services partners and systems integrators from initial interest to delivery readiness. You will build processes, coach partners, and manage a high-velocity, relationship-driven ecosystem.

You will run a 45-day ramp program, monitor progress, coordinate with account teams for co-sell opportunities, and continuously improve workflows.

Qualifications

• Experience in partner management with consulting firms or SI.
• Background in services or partner-facing go-to-market work.
• Ability to manage many partners with strong organization and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Lead introductory conversations with referred partners and determine onboarding pathways.
• Guide partners through a structured 45-day ramp process covering readiness milestones, certification progress, deployment registration, and delivery review preparation.
• Monitor partner progress and take action to keep work moving forward.
• Recommend next steps at ramp end, including transition to ongoing coverage or return to standard support.
• Maintain a light-touch relationship with partners not yet ready for full coverage.
• Connect qualified partners with account teams and partner sales contacts for co-selling opportunities.
• Use playbooks, trackers, and CRM tools to manage a high volume of partner relationships efficiently.
• Suggest improvements to partner workflows, tools, and processes to strengthen the ramp program over time.

Skills

Partner management

Services/consulting

CRM systems

Stakeholder coordination

Written communication

Independent work

AI tools interest

Tools

CRM platforms

Slack

Job description

Join a high-visibility partner management role focused on helping services partners and systems integrators move from initial interest to delivery readiness. This contract opportunity is ideal for a proactive professional who enjoys building process, coaching partners, and working across a fast-moving, relationship-driven ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead introductory conversations with referred partners and determine whether they should enter the ramp program or follow standard onboarding.
• Guide accepted partners through a structured 45-day ramp process focused on readiness milestones, certification progress, deployment registration, and delivery review preparation.
• Monitor partner progress closely, identify stalled activity early, and take action to keep work moving forward.
• Recommend next steps at the end of the ramp period, including transition to ongoing partner coverage or return to standard support.
• Maintain a light-touch relationship with partners who are not yet ready for full coverage while keeping them engaged and informed.
• Connect qualified partners with account teams and partner sales contacts to support co-selling opportunities.
• Use playbooks, trackers, and CRM tools to manage a high volume of partner relationships efficiently.
• Suggest improvements to partner workflows, tools, and processes to strengthen the ramp program over time.

Skills

• Solid partner management experience, especially with consulting firms or systems integrators.
• Background in services, consulting, or partner-facing go-to-market work.
• Comfort managing many partners at once with strong organization and follow-through.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems and the ability to keep records accurate and current.
• Strong Slack skills and experience coordinating with internal and external stakeholders through shared channels.
• Clear, direct written communication and the confidence to give constructive feedback.
• Ability to work independently in an environment with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving processes.
• Interest in using AI tools in daily work and a process-oriented mindset.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with large partner ecosystems such as cloud, data, or services-oriented partner networks.
• Exposure to partner enablement, partner sales, or delivery readiness programs.
• Experience building or improving workflows, templates, or operating playbooks.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment that values proactive ideas and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with training partner teams and supporting readiness for customer-facing work.

We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and thrive. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique experience to the team.

For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.

The pay range for this role is $126 - $190 per hour based on qualifications and experience.