​​Global Partner Success Lead​

Microsoft

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Microsoft's Azure Data engineering team is leading the transformation of analytics in the world of data with products like databases, data integration, big data analytics, messaging & real-time analytics, and business intelligence. The products our portfolio include Microsoft Fabric, Azure SQL DB, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure PostgreSQL, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Service Bus, Azure Event Grid, and Power BI. Our mission is to build the data platform for the age of AI, powering a new class of data-first applications and driving a data culture. Within Azure Data, the Microsoft Fabric platform team builds and maintains the operating system and provides customers a unified data stack to run an entire data estate. The platform provides a unified experience, unified governance, enables a unified business model and a unified architecture. Global Partner Success Lead will spearhead the partner ecosystem strategy for Microsoft Fabric on a global scale, focusing on System Integrator (SI) partners. This role is pivotal in building and nurturing Microsoft’s Fabric partner community by recruiting strategic partners, enabling them through training and resources, and driving joint success in analytics and AI solution delivery. As the leader of the Fabric Partner Success team, you will collaborate with senior leadership to align partner offerings with Microsoft Fabric’s business objectives, ensuring partners are empowered to accelerate customer adoption and value realization from Fabric. The ideal candidate is passionate about technology and partnership: you combine a deep understanding of how the Microsoft partner ecosystem works with a proven track record in large-scale program management. You will strengthen relationships with top SI partners, guiding them to develop thriving Fabric practices, while also serving as their advocate within Microsoft. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of Microsoft’s Fabric partner strategy and requires a leader who can balance strategic planning with operational excellence in execution. We do not just value differences or different perspectives. We seek them out and invite them in so we can tap into the collective power of everyone in the company. As a result, our customers are better served.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years experience in relevant technical domain (e.g., cloud services, security), technical sales, marketing, product management, customer support, or cross-group/cross-functional engineering OR equivalent experience .
• Demonstrated deep understanding of the partner ecosystem; how partners build their business with Microsoft, and experience in developing or executing partner strategies. At least 5+ years of direct partner engagement (e.g. managing partner relationships, executing partner programs, or working at a partner organization) is expected.
• 3+ years of people management experience, with a history of building and leading high-performing teams. Proven ability to mentor talent, manage managers or senior ICs, and foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture that embraces Microsoft’s values.
• Strong program/project management capabilities; able to plan, execute, and govern complex programs spanning multiple workstreams or regions. Adept at using data and metrics to track progress and inform decisions. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills to handle ambiguity and adapt plans as needed for success.
• Exceptional communicator with executive presence. Able to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels, from engaging senior executives on strategy to coordinating field teams on execution. Stakeholder management skills are critical, including the ability to balance the needs of partners, sales teams, marketing, and engineering.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years experience in relevant technical domain (e.g., cloud services, security), technical sales, marketing, product management, customer support, or cross-group/cross-functional engineering OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 12+ years experience in relevant technical domain (e.g., cloud services, security), technical sales, marketing, product management, customer support, or cross-group/cross-functional engineering OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years people management experience
• 6+ years of experience building or scaling partner ecosystems. Familiarity with Microsoft’s partner models (e.g. Solution Partner designations, co-sell programs, cloud partner incentives) is a plus.
• Proven ability to define long-term strategies and translate them into actionable plans. Experience collaborating with senior leadership on strategy development is beneficial. Prior experience in a global or regional role where you drove consistency across different geographies or markets is a strong advantage.
• While this is not an engineering role, a solid understanding of cloud data analytics platforms and emerging technology trends (Analytics, AI/ML, BI tools, data integration) will help in credibly engaging with partners and guiding them on Microsoft Fabric. Passion for technology and ability to quickly learn new product capabilities is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the global SI partner strategy for Microsoft Fabric in collaboration with senior product and go-to-market leadership. Set the vision and direction for building a world-class Fabric partner ecosystem, ensuring strategy alignment with overall Fabric business goals and Microsoft’s partner programs. This includes defining partner selection and recruitment plans, identifying growth opportunities with partners in data, analytics, and AI domains, and aligning partner initiatives to Microsoft’s broader strategic priorities (e.g. Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Solution Areas).
• Orchestrate the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of partner initiatives. Oversee a portfolio of offerings from partner onboarding, training and enablement, to go-to-market ensuring quality delivery and optimal resource allocation for maximum impact. Implement robust performance tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure partner motions success and use data-driven insights to iterate on offering design. You will drive accountability for results, manage risks, and ensure timely achievement of key milestones and outcomes in the partner success plan.
• Cultivate and sustain long-term, trust-based relationships with Fabric’s strategic SI partners globally. Serve as the primary executive point of contact and trusted advisor for top partners, deeply understanding their business models and needs. Act with a sense of urgency and empathy in responding to partner requirements, advocating for their interests within Microsoft.
• Lead cross-organizational collaboration to drive partner success. Work closely with key internal teams including Enterprise Partner Solutions (EPS), Global Channel Partner Solutions (GCPS), Partner Marketing, Partner Solution Architects and engineering to align go-to-market efforts, co-selling motions, and partner support for unified execution of partner initiatives. Facilitate internal buy-in and communication, ensuring that partners receive cohesive support across training, marketing campaigns, technical enablement, and sales engagement.
• In partnership with GCPS Skilling team, design and deliver high-quality training programs that equip SI partners with the knowledge and best practices needed to implement and drive adoption of Microsoft Fabric solutions. Ensure partners are proficient in the latest Fabric features (across data integration, analytics, databases, real-time analytics, AI/ML, and Power BI) and follow our proven implementation methodologies. Champion the creation of scalable learning resources, hands-on workshops, and certification paths that elevate partner capabilities globally.
• Be the voice of the partner to Microsoft’s engineering and product groups. Establish feedback loops to capture partner input on product performance, market trends, and customer requirements. Analyze and surface insights on industry trends, competitive gaps, and partner business challenges, using this data to influence product roadmap and improvements.
• Uphold Microsoft’s standards and policies in all partner activities. Ensure that partner offerings and activities adhere to Microsoft compliance requirements, ethics and integrity policies, and brand guidelines.
• Embody our culture and values

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior