Director, Partner Operations

Job descriptionThis is an exciting opportunity to join Kiteworks’ newly formed Strategic Partnerships organization and lead the operational engine behind some of the company’s most strategic partnerships. This is not a sales role — it is a highly cross-functional Strategic Partnerships position focused on building scalable operational processes, supporting joint integrations, managing partner programs, and enabling long-term partnership growth. Reporting to the SVP, Strategic Partnerships & Strategy, the Director, Partner Operations will serve as the operational backbone across Technology Partnerships, GSI Partnerships, Partner Architecture, Product Management, and broader cross-functional teams including Marketing, Finance, Legal, Support, Customer Success, Renewals, Sales, and Channel Alliances. This role owns the operational cadence, reporting, dashboards, integration lifecycle tracking, partner program administration, and overall partner operations infrastructure that keeps the organization moving efficiently. The ideal candidate is highly proactive, operationally strong, technically curious, and comfortable operating across business, finance, systems, and partnerships. They should be equally comfortable reviewing contracts and budgets, managing executive reporting, discussing APIs and integrations, and driving cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid roleThis is a hybrid role based out of our San Mateo office. Employees are expected to be in office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. What you’ll doPartner program operationsOwn the operational lifecycle of Kiteworks’ participation in strategic partner programs including onboarding, compliance tracking, membership renewals, certifications, and tier managementMaintain partner program documentation, communications, FAQs, and operational processesSupport the future rollout and administration of the Kiteworks partner programEnsure operational alignment between Kiteworks and strategic partners including AWS, Microsoft, ServiceNow, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Accenture, Deloitte, Leidos, and Booz Allen HamiltonReporting, dashboards & analyticsManage and maintain Strategic Partnerships dashboards and operational reportingDeliver recurring executive-level reporting on integration progress, partner program health, pipeline contribution, enablement, and operational KPIsPartner with Finance, BI, and Product Operations to improve reporting accuracy, definitions, and visibilityTranslate partnership activity into executive-ready insights and operational business reviewsIntegration lifecycle operationsOperationalize the partner integration lifecycle from intake through launch and post-GA supportTrack milestones, dependencies, blockers, and ownership across integrations involving APIs, MCP, AI Skills, and agent-based workflowsCoordinate cross-functional support readiness with Engineering, Product, Customer Success, and Support teamsEnsure every integration has proper documentation, escalation paths, and operational readiness prior to launchCross-functional operations & orchestrationPartner closely with Marketing to manage partner deliverables, campaigns, timelines, and event coordinationTrack and manage Strategic Partnerships budgets including memberships, certifications, events, operational investments, and partner-related spendSupport partner renewal processes in partnership with Renewals teamsCoordinate with Legal and Finance on partnership agreements, operational contracting, and partnership economicsTraining, enablement & certificationsLead operational rollout of partner training programs and certificationsTrack internal certifications required to maintain partner program status across AWS, Microsoft, ServiceNow, and other strategic ecosystemsCoordinate enablement efforts across Product, Support, Sales, Marketing, and Partner Architecture teamsMeasure training adoption and continuously improve enablement programsOperational planning & leadershipProactively identify operational risks, gaps, dependencies, and scaling needs before they impact the businessDesign and manage the operational rhythm of the Strategic Partnerships organization including QBRs, stand-ups, executive reviews, and partner program calendarsServe as a senior operational point of contact for strategic partners when escalation or coordination is requiredBuild scalable operational processes that support long-term partnership growth and integration successProtect confidential business information and partner data, ensuring secure sharing practices and compliance with data protection agreements and ISO 27001 controls. What you’ll bring12+ years of experience in partner operations, channel operations, alliances operations, or related enterprise software operational leadership roles5+ years leading partner operations or partner program functions at the Director or Senior Director levelExperience operationalizing enterprise partner programs within cybersecurity, SaaS, enterprise software, AI, or data protection environmentsStrong understanding of partner ecosystems such as AWS, Microsoft, ServiceNow, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, or similarExperience managing dashboards, BI reporting, CRM systems, PRM platforms, operational analytics, and executive reportingFamiliarity with APIs, integrations, MCP, AI Skills, and modern AI-driven partnership ecosystemsStrong cross-functional leadership skills with experience coordinating Marketing, Product, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Support, Sales, and Partnerships organizationsExcellent operational rigor, project management, and executive communication skillsStrong business acumen with experience managing budgets, contracts, operational workflows, and partnership economicsBachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; MBA or advanced degree preferred About KiteworksThe Kiteworks single-tenant-by-design virtual appliance delivers full data sovereignty, governing employees’ and AI agents’ access to, use, and sharing of sensitive data under the same identity, policy, encryption, and audit controls. Compliance is built in, not bolted on. The values that define usExecution – We deliver results with focus, ownership, and consistency. Our teams take initiative, solve challenges proactively, and continuously optimize how we work to create meaningful impact for our customers.Transparency – We communicate openly and clearly, ensuring stakeholders have the information they need to make informed decisions. We foster a culture of trust, welcome feedback, and embrace accountability in everything we do.Integrity – We uphold the highest standards of honesty and responsibility. Our teams act ethically, consistently honor commitments, and build trust through principled, reliable actions. Compensation rangeBase salary range of $200,000–$250,000 plus bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefitsBase pay depends on many factors, such as location, education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Kiteworks competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Benefits & perksEquity - stock options to share in company successHealthcare3 Cigna plans (PPO, EPO, HDHP)90% covered (PPO/EPO) + $0 premium HDHP$1,200–$2,400 HSA contribution100% covered dental & visionSavings & retirementFSA + Dependent Care FSA401(k) with 100% match (up to $5K), immediate vestingCoverage - Fully paid life & disability insuranceFamily benefits16 weeks (birthing) / 8 weeks (non-birthing)$10K lifetime reimbursement fertility benefitCare & support - One Medical membership + EAP counselingTime off & flexibilityUnlimited PTO + 10 holidays10 work-from-anywhere daysPerks - Catered lunches + in-office massage days Commitment to equal opportunity & inclusionKiteworks is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. Other requirementsAbility to meet Kiteworks, customer, and/or government security screening requirements for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings.Kiteworks Background CheckThis position requires passing the Kiteworks background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.Please note that this role is open to individuals who already have U.S. work authorization. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.