A Senior Partner Development Manager offers a unique opportunity to shape Microsoft and SAP's partnership and collaboration across Africa. You’ll be at the centre of a fast-evolving ecosystem, where your leadership will directly influence how strategic partners grow, innovate, and deliver impact to customers.
You’ll own the regional partner strategy and business planning, driving performance across major and growth customers. Expect to lead complex engagements, navigate external and internal stakeholders, leverage Microsoft investment programmes like Azure Innovate, and unlock value through strategic wins and marketplace success. You’ll be challenged to leverage partner capability in Gen AI, Copilot, Security, Data & AI - areas that are transforming industries across the continent.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building long-term partnerships, aligning cross-functional teams, and translating strategy into measurable outcomes. You’ll work closely with our Specialist Technical Unit (STU), Customer Success Unit (CSU), and SAP stakeholders to ensure strong alignment on SAP RISE and innovation priorities, while influencing customer transformation through Partner Impact Numbers (PIN) and Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR) metrics.
You’ll grow by leading high-impact initiatives, shaping partner go-to-market strategies, and driving innovation at scale through our strategic partners. If you’re ready to make a tangible impact in one of Microsoft’s most dynamic regions, this role offers the platform, support, and autonomy to do just that.
Find out more about our culture and values, and the environment you will be working in.
Responsibilities
This role involves a high level of stakeholder engagement and relationship building, as you build trust between SAP and Microsoft in the region. Responsibilities include:
- Build the plan enabling smooth collaboration and execution of both organizations goals.
- Lead strategic sales conversations that generate pipeline and accelerate deal progression.
- Execute a complementing innovation plan across Microsoft solution Areas to meet and exceed targets, adapting quickly to gaps in forecast.
- Share and Coach teams through sales blockers and competitive scenarios to close business effectively.
- Demonstrate strong leadership by driving intensity, persistence, and adaptability across sales teams.
- Understand competitors and confidently communicate Microsoft’s competitive advantages.
- Foster clarity and cross-group collaboration, leveraging team strengths to achieve sales excellence.
- Spend at least 75% of your time engaging directly with SAP and customers.
- Champion partner skilling by promoting innovation updates and aligning with the Skilling Go-To-Market strategy.
Qualifications
We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative person who thrives in complex environments and can influence across numerous teams. To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in complex solution sales, with an ability to navigate multifaceted customer engagements.
- Knowledge of technology across Azure, Security, and Data & AI tools.
- Familiarity with the South African and broader African technology landscape, particularly in partnership with global solution providers.
- Leadership and stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally.
- Ability to leverage Copilot and other tools to streamline everyday tasks and improve efficiency.