Partner Operations Manager, Recruitment & Activation

About the role

We are looking for a Partner Operations Manager to own the recruitment and activation engine of our partner ecosystem. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end journey from partner application through to successful onboarding—ensuring the right partners enter the program and are set up for success from day one.

You will be the operational backbone of how we bring partners in, combining structured screening and admissions with a smooth, well-orchestrated activation experience. This is a detail-oriented yet strategic role for someone who thrives on building clean processes, exercising sound judgment on partner fit, and delivering a high-quality partner experience at every stage.

Responsibilities:

Application screening & admissions

• Own the partner application pipeline from intake to decision, ensuring timely and consistent triage of all incoming applications
• Develop and maintain evaluation criteria and scoring frameworks to assess partner fit, capability, and alignment with program goals
• Conduct qualification reviews and, where needed, introductory calls to inform admission decisions
• Maintain clear documentation of admissions policies, eligibility criteria, and decision rationale
• Track and report on application volumes, conversion rates, and pipeline health

Partner recruitment

• Proactively identify and recruit partner prospects that align with program priorities across target segments, regions, or verticals
• Build and maintain a healthy inbound and outbound pipeline of qualified partner applicants
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align recruitment efforts with business goals and partner program strategy

Partner activation & onboarding

• Facilitate structured onboarding programs that equip newly admitted partners with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to get started
• Coordinate across Partner Enablement, Partner Success, and relevant internal teams to ensure seamless handoffs and a cohesive onboarding experience
• Monitor onboarding progress and partner engagement, identifying and resolving blockers early
• Continuously improve onboarding workflows, materials, and timelines based on partner feedback and activation data

Operations & program infrastructure

• Design and optimize the systems and workflows that support a scalable admissions and activation process
• Maintain accurate partner records and status tracking across relevant tools and platforms
• Define SLAs and contribute to reporting on partner program health and operational efficiency

You may be a good fit if you have:

• 3–6 years of experience in partner operations, channel programs, or ecosystem management
• Strong process orientation with the ability to build and improve workflows from the ground up
• Experience with partner onboarding, qualification, or admissions processes
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and project management skills
• Clear communication skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders across functions
• Familiarity with CRM and partner management tools such as Salesforce, Impartner, Crossbeam, or similar

Strong candidates may also have:

• Experience in a SaaS or platform company with a structured partner ecosystem
• Exposure to partner tiering models or program design
• Background in operations, programs, or project management