Partner Manager, Partner Ramp Program #1361)

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

Job summary

Horizontal Talent is seeking a contract-roles partner programs lead to guide consulting and systems integrator partners from initial conversation to delivery readiness. You will drive a structured 45-day ramp, certifications, and readiness milestones, coordinating with partner and account teams across time zones, often in a high-velocity environment.

The role emphasizes coaching, proactive risk management, and extensive use of AI-driven playbooks and CRM tools to maintain momentum and ensure

Qualifications

• 5+ years in partner management, ideally supporting consulting firms or systems integrators.
• Experience coaching, advising, and influencing different stakeholder types.
• Experience using CRM tools and maintaining accurate records in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent Slack skills, including coordinating internal and external communication through shared channels.
• Clear, direct written communication and the ability to give constructive feedback professionally.
• Confidence operating in a high-velocity environment with shifting priorities and a large partner load.
• Daily use of AI tools and curiosity about how technology can improve process and efficiency.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to take initiative, build structure, and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead initial conversations with referred partners and determine whether they should enter the ramp program or follow standard onboarding.
• Manage accepted partners through a structured 45-day plan focused on certifications, deployment registration, documentation, and delivery readiness.
• Track partner progress closely, identify risks early, and recommend next steps at the end of the program.
• Maintain a light-touch pool of partners that meet baseline criteria but are not yet ready for full coverage.
• Share program updates, connect partners to resources, and monitor readiness signals for future advancement.
• Introduce qualified partners to account teams and partner sales managers to support co-selling opportunities.
• Use AI-based playbooks, trackers, and workflows to manage a high volume of partners efficiently.
• Suggest improvements to tools, processes, and partner engagement approaches as the program evolves.

Skills

Partner management

Coaching & influencing

CRM tools

Slack

Written communication

AI tools

Independent work

Tools

CRM software

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

Join a fast-moving partner programs team and help guide consulting and systems integrator partners from initial conversation to delivery readiness. This contract role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building process, and knows how to coach partners toward successful customer work.

Responsibilities

• Lead initial conversations with referred partners and determine whether they should enter the ramp program or follow standard onboarding.
• Manage accepted partners through a structured 45-day plan focused on certifications, deployment registration, documentation, and delivery readiness.
• Track partner progress closely, identify risks early, and recommend next steps at the end of the program.
• Maintain a light-touch pool of partners that meet baseline criteria but are not yet ready for full coverage.
• Share program updates, connect partners to resources, and monitor readiness signals for future advancement.
• Introduce qualified partners to account teams and partner sales managers to support co-selling opportunities.
• Use AI-based playbooks, trackers, and workflows to manage a high volume of partners efficiently.
• Suggest improvements to tools, processes, and partner engagement approaches as the program evolves.

Skills

• 5+ years of partner management experience, ideally supporting consulting firms or systems integrators.
• Strong background in partner-facing work, with comfort coaching, advising, and influencing different stakeholder types.
• Experience using CRM tools and maintaining accurate records in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent Slack skills, including coordinating internal and external communication through shared channels.
• Clear, direct written communication and the ability to give constructive feedback professionally.
• Confidence operating in a high-velocity environment with shifting priorities and a large partner load.
• Daily use of AI tools and curiosity about how technology can improve process and efficiency.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to take initiative, build structure, and work independently.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working within larger partner ecosystems such as cloud, data, or enterprise technology environments.
• Background in sales, delivery, or services that transitioned into partner management.
• Familiarity with partner portal workflows, deployment tracking, and readiness reviews.
• Strong organizational habits and a process-oriented approach to partner development.
• Ability to work well in a remote setting and collaborate effectively across teams and time zones.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to building strong teams and better outcomes. We welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks.

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.