Partner Development Manager (ISVs)

Microsoft; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a strategic and collaborative professional in Johannesburg to drive partner recruitment and engagement focused on Cloud and AI solutions. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong background in solution sales and technical proficiency in software development. This role requires the ability to influence stakeholders and build trusted relationships across an organization.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to drive strategic partner engagements.
• Experience influencing executive-level stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the Cloud and AI landscape.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage high-potential ISVs for recruitment.
• Drive partner recruitment aligned to Cloud & AI solutions.
• Facilitate product development workshops for partners.

Skills

Solution sales

Stakeholder engagement

Software development

Cloud & AI solutions

Education

Azure or equivalent cloud certifications

Job description

Responsibilities (Text Only)

This role involves a high level of stakeholder engagement and relationship building, as you foster trust between local ISVs and Microsoft across the region. Responsibilities include:

1. Identify and prioritise high-potential ISVs for recruitment, leveraging insights from venture capital, industry feedback, and Microsoft solution area teams.
2. Drive targeted partner recruitment aligned to Cloud & AI solutions, and industry priorities, with a focus on competitive differentiation.
3. Engage C-suite executives and build trusted relationships through regular communications and structured rhythms of business.
4. Secure partner commitment to build on Microsoft platforms, developing joint business plans and solution development roadmaps, as well as Azure Commit to Consume agreement.
5. Facilitate product development workshops and guide partners through architecture design, Well Architected Framework reviews, and incentive adoption.
6. Launch transactable solutions on Azure Marketplace, supporting partners with go-to-market strategies, promotional activities, and co-sell enablement.
7. Manage end-to-end marketplace activation, including onboarding pathways, stakeholder engagement, and issue resolution.
8. Track and deliver key performance indicators including new ISV adds, Azure solutions, pipeline generation, marketplace billed sales, and Copilot design wins.
9. Represent Microsoft in startup forums.

Qualifications (Text Only)

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative individual who thrives in complex, multicultural environments and can influence stakeholders at all levels within an organisation. To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

1. Established track record in solution sales, with the ability to drive strategic partner engagements and commercial outcomes.
2. Technical proficiency in software development, supported by Azure or equivalent cloud certifications.
3. Familiarity with the Cloud and AI landscape in the local market.
4. Experience building long-term engagement strategies with external stakeholders, including investment organisations and incubators.
5. Regular interaction, and influencing, of executive-level individuals within external organisations.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form. Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.