Partnerships Manager

Dust•New York, NY

6d•$230,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Dust is hiring its first Partner Manager to build the company’s US partner ecosystem from the ground up. The role spans technology and solution partners, with direct ownership of building Dust’s private equity ecosystem. It is a hands-on commercial position focused on recruiting and activating partners, developing joint go-to-market plans, and working with Sales to turn partner relationships into pipeline and revenue. The role will also design and test how Dust works with PE firms, operating partners, and portfolio companies, then document a playbook for future hires. The Partnerships Manager will report to the Head of US Partnerships and work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Solutions Engineering. Success includes establishing repeatable co-sell and activation motions, generating partner-sourced and partner-influenced pipeline, engaging two to three PE firms with at least one portfolio-wide pilot underway, and creating a scalable PE playbook. Dust prioritizes an in-person, office-first culture at its offices in Paris, London, San Francisco, and New York, while trusting employees to work from home when it makes more sense.

Requirements

Experience generating pipeline through partners and understanding how partnerships create customer access and support sales teams.
A track record of launching a partner program, business development motion, or go-to-market play from zero without an existing playbook.
Commercial instinct and the ability to turn relationships into opportunities and opportunities into revenue.
Ability to build trust with executives and move conversations toward clear outcomes.
Ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and technical teams to get deals done.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with private equity firms, operating partners, or portfolio companies, ideally generating business through those relationships.
Fluency with AI, including following how AI is changing business operations and explaining its practical value.

Responsibilities

Identify and recruit technology and solution partners with relevant customer relationships and a clear reason to work with Dust.
Develop joint value propositions and practical go-to-market plans with partners.
Manage partner relationships from initial outreach and activation through qualified pipeline and revenue.
Work with partners and Sales to map shared accounts, secure introductions, and advance opportunities.
Build repeatable co-sell and partner activation motions.
Build relationships with private equity firms, operating partners, value creation teams, and portfolio company leaders.
Identify portfolio companies where Dust can deliver value and turn relationships into qualified opportunities.
Engage consultancies and technology partners serving PE firms and their portfolios.
Design and test ways for Dust to work with PE firms, including operating partner referrals and portfolio-wide programs, and document effective motions.
Create the PE playbook for future partnership hires in the US and elsewhere.
Test new partner types and go-to-market approaches, using results to guide investment decisions.
Help the Head of US Partnerships prioritize opportunities and develop the US ecosystem strategy.