Partner Manager - Microsoft & AI Alliances

About the role

GAPVelocity AI is the AI-first modernization business unit of Growth Acceleration Partners (GAP), a leading consulting and technology services provider specializing in custom software, data engineering, and modernization solutions. Our unique Hybrid AI architecture rapidly transforms legacy applications, making us the go-to partner for enterprises aiming to modernize and leverage AI for competitive advantage. The enterprise AI modernization market is experiencing explosive growth with companies seeking to transform legacy systems. Our proprietary Hybrid AI architecture solves what others can't - enabling rapid, risk-free application migration that competitors can't touch.

Responsibilities

• Own the Microsoft alliance. Develop and manage the Microsoft partnership strategy, including co-sell motions, Azure Marketplace activity, Partner Center requirements, joint business planning, field enablement, and executive relationship management.
• Build the partner ecosystem. Identify, recruit, and manage strategic partners that can accelerate GAPVelocity AI adoption, including Microsoft field teams, ISVs, systems integrators, GSIs, boutique AI firms, and modernization partners.
• Drive partner-sourced and partner-influenced revenue. Build and manage a partner pipeline, qualify opportunities, influence deal strategy, and meet or exceed quarterly and annual partner contribution goals.
• Enable partner sellers. Equip partners with messaging, training, battle cards, demos, proof points, and joint value propositions so they can confidently position GAPVelocity AI.
• Execute partner go-to-market programs. Collaborate with Marketing and Sales on joint campaigns, webinars, events, marketplace motions, and field outreach that generate qualified leads.
• Connect partner opportunities to the right internal teams. Work closely with Account Executives, Solution Architects, Product, Engineering, Delivery, and Marketing to create a seamless customer and partner experience.
• Track, forecast, and report partner performance. Maintain clean partner activity and pipeline data in HubSpot, provide regular forecasts, and report partner health, risks, and wins to leadership.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in partner management, channel sales, alliance management, or partner business development within a B2B SaaS, cloud, AI, or technology services company.
• 3+ years of direct Microsoft ecosystem experience, including practical knowledge of co-sell programs, Azure Marketplace, Partner Center, and Microsoft field sales motions.
• Proven track record of creating partner-sourced or partner-influenced pipeline and revenue, not just managing partner logos.
• Exceptional ability to build trusted relationships with field sellers, partner managers, technical architects, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong business judgment and professional courage to move partner conversations from interest to qualified action, budget ownership, and deal progression.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate AI modernization value into partner-ready messaging.
• Collaborative mindset - able to influence internal teams through clarity, preparation, and persistence rather than noise.
• Comfort working in a fast-moving environment where partner strategy, product direction, and sales motions are evolving quickly.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, especially HubSpot, and a disciplined approach to pipeline hygiene, forecasting, and activity tracking.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.