Partner Alliances & Operations Manager

About the Role

At UBDS, we help organisations transform through cloud, cyber security, AI and digital innovation. Our strategic technology partnerships are central to how we develop our capabilities, bring innovative solutions to market and deliver meaningful outcomes for our customers.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Partner Alliances & Operations Manager to help strengthen and develop our technology partner ecosystem, with a particular focus on driving our relationship with Microsoft.

Working closely with our Head of Partnerships, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day Microsoft alliance, building relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration and ensuring we're making the most of the programmes, resources and commercial opportunities available to us.

You'll also support our wider partner ecosystem, including AWS, Databricks, Anthropic and other emerging technology partners, helping connect the right people, ideas and opportunities across UBDS and our partners.

This is a varied role combining relationship management, commercial awareness and operational delivery. You'll have the opportunity to work with leading technology organisations, engage with stakeholders across the business and play a meaningful part in how our partnerships contribute to UBDS's growth.

We're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, understands how to turn conversations into action and has the organisation and drive to make things happen.

What You'll Do

Strategic Partner Relationships

- Take day-to-day ownership of the Microsoft alliance, acting as a key point of contact for Microsoft stakeholders and internal teams.
- Build and maintain relationships across Microsoft's partner, sales, technical, industry and specialist teams.
- Develop a strong understanding of Microsoft's priorities, partner ecosystem and opportunities for collaboration.
- Coordinate regular partner meetings, business reviews and joint planning activities.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen UBDS's visibility, engagement and relationships within Microsoft.
- Support the Head of Partnerships in developing relationships across our wider technology partner ecosystem.
- Maintain clear partner plans, priorities and actions, ensuring opportunities are followed through.

Commercial & Go-to-Market Opportunities

- Work closely with Sales, Marketing and technology teams to identify joint customer and go-to-market opportunities.
- Connect UBDS stakeholders with relevant partner teams to support customer engagements and business development.
- Help develop joint propositions, campaigns, workshops and partner-led initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to leverage partner funding, expertise, resources and programmes.
- Support the development of joint business plans and partner-facing materials.
- Track partner-influenced opportunities and ensure agreed actions are progressed.
- Coordinate partner events, networking opportunities and joint marketing activities.

Partner Programmes & Accreditations

- Manage and coordinate Microsoft's partner programmes, designations, specialisations and accreditation requirements.
- Work with internal teams to track certifications, customer evidence and other criteria required to maintain or strengthen our partner status.
- Identify opportunities to access partner incentives, investment and funding.
- Coordinate funding applications and monitor programme requirements, deadlines and benefits.
- Support accreditation and programme management across our wider partner ecosystem.
- Identify opportunities to simplify and automate programme tracking and reporting.

Partner Operations & Continuous Improvement

- Develop and maintain effective processes that support the management of our technology partnerships.
- Own and maintain the UBDS partner calendar, providing visibility of meetings, events, programme deadlines and planned activities.
- Maintain partner relationship maps, action trackers and relevant reporting.
- Work closely with our India operations team to coordinate partner administration, programme requirements and data management.
- Produce regular updates on partner engagement, commercial opportunities and key priorities.
- Ensure actions and commitments are clearly owned and delivered.
- Identify opportunities to improve how we manage partnerships, using automation and technology wherever possible.

About You

We're looking for someone who has developed a foundation within the technology industry and is ready to take greater ownership of strategic partner relationships.

You may currently work within a technology consultancy, Microsoft partner, systems integrator, technology vendor or professional services organisation, with experience spanning partnerships, alliances, business development or commercial operations.

You'll be confident building relationships, comfortable engaging with stakeholders at different levels and motivated by turning opportunities into meaningful outcomes.

Equally, you'll enjoy the operational side of the role, bringing structure, organisation and attention to detail to ensure partnerships are effectively managed.

What We're Looking For

- Approximately 3–5 years of relevant experience within technology, consulting, partnerships, alliances or commercial operations.
- Experience working with Microsoft or within its partner ecosystem.
- Understanding of technology partnerships, vendor relationships or partner programmes.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in how partnerships contribute to business growth.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and relationships.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities and driving actions forward.
- Confidence working independently while collaborating across teams.
- An interest in cloud, AI, data, cyber security and emerging technologies.
- A mindset focused on continuous improvement, simplification and automation.

Desirable Experience

- Familiarity with the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, including designations, specialisations, incentives and co-sell opportunities.
- Experience supporting joint go-to-market activities or partner-led commercial opportunities.
- Experience managing partner accreditations, certifications or funding programmes.
- Experience working with technology partners such as AWS, Databricks or Anthropic.
- Experience working with distributed or international teams.
- Experience using reporting, CRM or automation tools to improve operational processes.

We're not expecting someone to know every aspect of Microsoft's partner programmes from day one. What matters is having relevant experience, strong relationship-building skills and the curiosity and ambition to develop.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means building a proactive, well-managed and commercially valuable Microsoft alliance, while helping strengthen our wider technology partner ecosystem.

You'll have developed strong relationships with key partner stakeholders, increased visibility of UBDS's capabilities and helped turn partnership activity into tangible customer and commercial opportunities.

Our partner programmes, accreditations and funding opportunities will be effectively managed, with clear ownership, processes and visibility across the business.

Most importantly, our partners will see UBDS as a credible, collaborative and valuable organisation to work with, and our internal teams will recognise partnerships as an important contributor to growth.

The Opportunity

At UBDS, our people are central to our success. We're committed to creating an environment where talented people can develop, collaborate and make a meaningful impact.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of an important strategic relationship while building experience across some of the world's leading technology organisations.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, gain exposure to commercial and technology strategy, and help shape how UBDS develops its partnerships as we continue to grow.

Based in London, the role offers hybrid working, typically 2–3 days per week on-site, alongside opportunities to attend partner meetings, events and industry engagements.

Benefits

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group

Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability.

UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

- Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more
- Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality
- Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance
- Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays
- Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice
- Contributed Pension Scheme
- Death in service cover

About UBDS Group

At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.