Strategic Partnerships Director

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Director to enhance their partner ecosystem and strengthen client acquisition. This pivotal role involves negotiating high-value agreements, driving strategic partnerships, and collaborating across international markets. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in business development, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work with senior stakeholders. The position offers a market-related salary and the chance to shape strategic growth within a scaling business.

Benefits

Market-related salary based on experience

High-impact leadership role with international exposure

Opportunity to shape strategic growth through partnerships

Qualifications

• Proven commercial track record in business development or strategic partnerships.
• Excellent academic record and strong business acumen.
• Comfortable working with senior external stakeholders and internal executives.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships aligned with business growth objectives.
• Negotiate and manage high-value partner agreements.
• Collaborate across departments to embed partnerships into the organisation’s operations.

Skills

Business development

Strategic partnerships

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Education

Professional degree (e.g. CA, BCom LLB, Engineering)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Hybrid (Johannesburg preferred)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Financial Services | Tax Recovery | B2B SaaS

About the Role

WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a global leader in VAT reclaim services to appoint a Strategic Partnerships Director. This senior role is pivotal in expanding the company’s strategic partner ecosystem, enhancing client acquisition through referral networks, and strengthening brand visibility across international markets. You will drive high‑level commercial relationships, align internal resources to support partner integrations, and work cross‑functionally to support growth and retention.

This is an ideal opportunity for a commercially savvy, energetic individual with a strong network and the ability to lead multi‑partner initiatives in a global B2B environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships aligned with business growth objectives
• Negotiate and manage high‑value partner agreements
• Strengthen existing relationships to drive referrals and revenue expansion
• Educate partners on service integration opportunities and mutual value
• Collaborate across departments to embed partnerships into the organisation’s operations
• Represent the brand at events, roundtables, and through co‑branded content initiatives
• Monitor partner performance, report outcomes to senior leadership, and implement improvements

What You’ll Bring

• Proven commercial track record in business development, strategic partnerships, or professional services
• Professional degree (e.g. CA, BCom LLB, Engineering)
• Excellent academic record and strong business acumen
• Entrepreneurial, driven, and self‑starting mindset
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Comfortable working with senior external stakeholders and internal executives
• Excellent command of English

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with VAT reclaim, financial compliance, or B2B SaaS
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Experience working across global markets or regional partner channels

What’s On Offer

• Market‑related salary based on experience
• High‑impact leadership role with international exposure
• Direct access to executive decision‑making and cross‑functional collaboration
• Opportunity to shape strategic growth through partnerships in a scaling business

Company Culture

The organisation is entrepreneurial, innovation‑led, and service‑focused. Team members are given autonomy to execute, collaborate across functions, and lead initiatives with measurable impact. The environment rewards ambition, clear communication, and solution‑oriented thinking—perfect for someone who thrives on building relationships and driving commercial success.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.