Strategic Partner Programs Manager

Thinkahead; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Caregiver leave

Job summary

AHEAD is seeking a detail-oriented Program Manager to oversee IBM partner programs and drive profitability through strategic alignment across engineering, sales, and services. The role blends 75% partner programs with 25% go-to-market activities, requiring strong analytics, communication, and collaboration skills.

The ideal candidate will manage proficiency tracking, pricing, rebates, and program incentives while coordinating with marketing and enablement teams to grow AHEAD’s IBM portfolio and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in program management, partner management, or a related field.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in tracking metrics and reporting.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.
• Experience in sales support or business development is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).
• Occasional travel to support partnership, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and streamline partner programs for IBM.
• Identify opportunities to expand into new product categories and customer segments.
• Coordinate with marketing on IBM demand gen campaigns and events.
• Enable IBM enablement activities with engineers and sales teams.
• Develop strategies with sales to grow existing business while maximizing margins.
• Lead and pursue opportunities to expand into new product categories and lines of business.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of pricing structures, SKU management, and quoting processes.
• Record, track, monitor and report rebates and investments.
• Learn, track and report on various partner programs and incentives.
• Create and communicate internal content to maintain current processes for Operations and Engineering teams.
• Demonstrate urgency and effective communication to facilitate collaboration.
• Regularly meet with in-house and partner teams to progress pipeline and forecasting.
• Investigate and resolve misaligned deals to optimize margins and profitability.
• Monitor weekly pipeline and ensure terms and conditions are met for compliance.
• Provide deal support and account mapping for sales teams.
• Ensure KPIs and commitments with partners are met and reported.
• Review existing customer base to identify growth opportunities.
• Serve as SME on customer and manufacturer compliance requirements.
• Assess opportunities with a forward-looking perspective to identify risks and solutions.
• Support partner managers on strategic go-to-market initiatives.
• Understand and oversee IBM’s Partner Advantage program.

Skills

Program management

Partner management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Sales support

Business development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Job description

AHEAD is seeking a detail-oriented Program Manager to oversee IBM partner programs and drive profitability through strategic alignment across engineering, sales, and services. The role blends 75% partner programs with 25% go-to-market activities, requiring strong analytics, communication, and collaboration skills.

The ideal candidate will manage proficiency tracking, pricing, rebates, and program incentives while coordinating with marketing and enablement teams to grow AHEAD’s IBM portfolio and