Vendor Alliance Manager

First Technology Pty Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT professional services company seeks a Vendor Alliance Manager to strengthen relationships with key technology partners including Microsoft and Outsystems. This role involves strategic engagement, program management, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize alliance value. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience in partner management within a tech environment, strong communication skills, and a background in vendor ecosystems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in vendor alliance management, business development, or channel sales.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft partner ecosystem.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with vendor partners.
• Manage vendor-funded programs and track ROI.
• Educate sales teams on incentive programs.

Skills

Vendor alliance management

Business development

Channel sales

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Dynamics 365

Salesforce

Job description

About First Digital

First Digital is a leading IT professional services company that empowers organisations through world-class solutions in application development, business process automation, digital customer experience, and enterprise productivity. As a trusted delivery partner, we work closely with top technology vendors including Microsoft, Outsystems, Nintex/K2, and Freshworks to drive digital transformation and innovation across industries.

Role Overview

As the Vendor Alliance Manager, you will be responsible for owning and deepening our strategic relationships with key technology partners. This includes managing program participation, incentives, and go-to-market (GTM) strategies to maximise commercial value from our alliances.

You will serve as the primary liaison between First Digital and our core technology vendors, ensuring alignment on joint business goals, funding utilisation, sales enablement, and program compliance. Your work will be instrumental in driving co-sell opportunities, strategic campaigns, and growth through vendor collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vendor Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner account managers at Microsoft, Outsystems, Nintex/K2, and Freshworks.
• Coordinate and lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with strategic vendors.
• Align vendor priorities with First Digital’s commercial and delivery goals.

Program & Funding Management

• Manage vendor-funded programs, rebates, and incentive claims (e.g., Microsoft Solution Assessments, FastTrack, Co-Sell, MCI, etc.).
• Track and report on funding utilisation and program ROI.
• Ensure compliance with partner program guidelines, timelines, and documentation (e.g., Proof of Execution, Deal Registration).

Sales Enablement & GTM Support

• Educate and enable sales and pre-sales teams on available programs, incentives, certifications, and GTM opportunities.
• Work with the marketing team to launch joint campaigns, events, and thought leadership aligned with vendor GTM strategies.
• Support creation of joint customer value propositions and case studies with vendors.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate tracking of all partner initiatives, submissions, and communications.
• Report monthly on vendor engagement metrics, revenue attribution, and upcoming funding cycles.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with delivery, sales, and marketing teams to support vendor-aligned projects.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in partner/vender alliance management, business development, or channel sales (preferably within a technology or professional services environment).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft partner ecosystem; familiarity with Outsystems, Nintex/K2, and Freshworks is advantageous.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems (e.g., Dynamics 365 or Salesforce), and vendor portals.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confident communicator able to interact effectively with vendors, executives, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.