Strategic Partner Deal Manager

Overview

The Operations Service Center, part of Microsoft Business Operations, supports Volume Licensing, Industry Solutions, and Unified customers in transacting with Microsoft. We drive efficient, timely, high-quality, and compliant execution while delivering world-class customer experience. Our team brings deep expertise in contracting, order management, billing, supplier management, and customer and partner engagement.

As a member of our team, you will coordinate and manage business-critical revenue processing for an assigned coverage area, including a major field operating unit in Volume Licensing or Services or an external partner. You will establish consistent, repeatable processes at regional and global levels while delivering strong experiences for internal and external stakeholders. You will join a results-focused team that collaborates to solve complex problems and invests in developing people.

The Strategic Partner Deal Manager serves as a trusted advisor, enabling compliant deal execution and maximizing revenue realization across an assigned strategic partner portfolio or major field operating unit. The role manages a critical deal pipeline, provides visibility into deal complexity, volume, and timing, and identifies risks to support accurate, on-time processing. In partnership with Field Sales, Commercial Solutions, partner organizations, Partner Enablement Managers, Partner Development Managers, and Transaction Services, the Partner Deal Manager advises on multimillion-dollar transformational deals and helps shape contracting, billing, and related capabilities. The role drives operational excellence across Sales and Operations by addressing process gaps, improving performance, and aligning teams including Legal and Corporate Affairs, Contracts and Negotiations, Credit and Collections, Finance, and Processing.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute partner engagement strategy, driving engagement upstream with Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners to improve deal shaping, strengthen stakeholder alignment, and reduce execution risk.

• Lead partner commercialization readiness by aligning with Launch and Implementation teams to establish scalable enablement models and consistent operational execution.

• Own partner experience innovation through forums, roadshows, feedback channels, and engineering partnerships to drive product and process improvements.

• Champion adoption of Frontier solutions to accelerate operational efficiency, innovation, and business transformation across the partner ecosystem.

• Establish performance management and continuous improvement frameworks leveraging business metrics, executive reviews, and partner feedback to improve deal quality, execution velocity, and partner satisfaction.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with global and regional Channel Partner organizations to strengthen alignment with partner sales teams and improve quarter-end readiness and execution.

• Drive operational excellence across the partner ecosystem through scalable governance, readiness, and execution models that improve business performance and partner outcomes.

• Own execution and governance of complex Volume Licensing opportunities, partnering across sales, deal desk, partner, operations, credit, invoicing, and trade teams to ensure compliant and timely revenue processing.

• Lead pipeline risk management by identifying operational and compliance risks early, supporting complex opportunities, and reducing downstream execution challenges.

• Serve as the lead escalation point for critical partner- and deal-related issues, ensuring timely resolution, stakeholder alignment, and adherence to operational governance processes.

Qualifications

Minimum / Required Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance or related field AND 2+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience
• OR Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance or related field AND 4+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience
• OR equivalent experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Masters Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field AND 6+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience (e.g., data analytics) OR Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field AND 8+ years process management, process execution, process optimization, or related experience (e.g., data analytics) OR equivalent experience.

• Lean, Business Process Management Professional, Change Management (e.g., Prosci), Six Sigma, and/or Agile certifications.

• 4+ years' experience in Operations, Sales, Partner Management, Process Management, Project Management, or Program Management is required.

• A growth mindset, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity are essential as we continue to transform.

• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems by applying knowledge and judgment to determine the appropriate approach and methods.

• Demonstrated ability to influence across organizational boundaries, collaborate effectively, and build strong relationships with individuals at all levels.

• Ability to handle sensitive, business-impacting information and exercise sound judgment in controlling its dissemination.

• Confidence in oneself and the organization, with a constructive, solutions-focused approach to change and ambiguity.

• Highly self-motivated and able to work effectively with numerous virtual teams of diverse backgrounds.

• Project/program and relationship management skills or equivalent experience.

• Customer-obsessed, with a consistent focus on meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

• Proven attention to detail with financial acumen.

• Ability to work under tight deadlines when required.

• Understanding of industry objectives, strategic direction, and key competition.

• Deep expertise in Microsoft sales motions, partner ecosystems, commercialization models, and licensing programs, with a strong understanding of field and partner engagement strategies.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders, partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across regions and organizations.

• Demonstrated success leading complex business programs and transformations while balancing strategic priorities with operational execution in fast-paced environments.

• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to simplify complexity, identify risks and opportunities, and translate insights into business outcomes.

• Track record of driving operational excellence through governance, process optimization, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience leading organizational change, adoption of new technologies and business processes, and stakeholder readiness programs at scale.

• Customer- and partner-centric mindset with a passion for innovation and improving business performance through data, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

Work Location details:

• On‑site presence expected at least three days per week, in alignment with team and business need.

Process Management IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $97,600 - $188,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $125,000 - $206,400 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft 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. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.