Strategic Alliances Senior Manager - Microsoft

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Strategic Alliances Senior Manager – Microsoft is responsible for deepening Argano’s partnership with Microsoft and driving joint go-to-market success. This role focuses on building strategic alignment, securing funding and resources, and enhancing collaboration between Argano and Microsoft to accelerate growth. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of Microsoft’s partner programs, a proven ability to manage complex cross-functional relationships, and a track record of delivering measurable impact through alliances.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Microsoft partner, field, and alliance teams at both the corporate and regional levels.
• Align Argano’s offerings with Microsoft priorities to develop joint value propositions and drive co-sell opportunities.
• Secure and manage funding from Microsoft programs, including market development funds (MDF), solution incentives, and co-op programs.
• Drive internal awareness and understanding of Microsoft’s partner programs, solutions, and sales motions to support sales and delivery execution.
• Track and report on key performance metrics such as influenced pipeline, partner-sourced opportunities, and engagement activity.
• Lead the use and maintenance of Microsoft Partner Center tools and dashboards to ensure visibility, accuracy, and performance reporting.
• Represent Argano at industry events, partner forums, and Microsoft-sponsored initiatives to elevate brand visibility and alliance engagement.
• Facilitate CPOR (claiming partner of record) and PAL (partner association linking) processes to ensure accurate customer associations and maximize co-sell eligibility.
• Manage technical certifications and team alignment to Microsoft Solution Designations and Specializations.
• Leverage Microsoft Marketplace and solution offerings to drive visibility and collaboration with Microsoft field teams.
• Ensure prompt handling of Microsoft-generated leads and referrals, coordinating with sales to support pipeline development.
• Monitor usage and adoption data to identify expansion opportunities within existing accounts.
• Participate in ongoing Microsoft program update calls and integrate changes into Argano’s strategic approach.
• Oversee the planning and use of co-op funds and incentive programs, ensuring alignment with Microsoft and Argano priorities.
  
  

Education

Minimum and/or Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  
  

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in strategic alliances, partner management, or business development, with a focus on Microsoft or similar enterprise technology ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft’s commercial priorities, co-sell motions, and partner engagement models, including CPOR, PAL, and MCEM (Microsoft Customer Engagement Model).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex partnership activities, funding programs, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven and deep understanding of Microsoft's solutions areas including Business Applications and Azure.
• Experience working within a professional services, consulting, or system integrator environment is preferred.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and program management skills.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Partnership Management: Experience in managing strategic partnerships within the technology sector. Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners. Proficiency in analyzing partner performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic alliance plans to meet business objectives. Ability to align alliance initiatives with overall company strategy. Identify and prioritize partnership opportunities based on market trends and business needs.
• Innovative Alliance Strategies: Identify new partnership opportunities and explore creative collaboration models.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with sales, marketing, and delivery teams to ensure alignment with alliance objectives.
• Market Insights and Competitive Analysis: Deep understanding of market dynamics and the Microsoft competitive landscape.
• Revenue Growth and Performance: Proficiency in forecasting and tracking alliance performance metrics. Analytical skills to assess partnership ROI and make data-driven decisions.
  
  

About Us

Argano is the first of its kind: a digital consultancy totally immersed in high-performance operations. We steward enterprises through ever-evolving markets, empowering them with transformative strategies and technologies to exceed customer expectations, unlock commercial innovation, and drive optimal efficiency and growth.

Argano is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.