Head of Strategic Alliances & Partnerships

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CNS is seeking a Head of Strategic Alliances & Partnerships to shape the alliance strategy, manage executive relationships with key technology vendors, and drive joint GTM and partner programs in the GCC. You should bring 15 to 20 years in ICT, a proven ability to build and scale strategic alliances, negotiate MSAs and funding, and align Sales with customer opportunities. The role includes governance with EBRs and QBRs, partner enablement, and ecosystem development while complying with ISO policies. To apply, quantify partner-generated pipeline and revenue on your resume, share a governance framework and regional wins, and demonstrate cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Finance, Marketing, and Sales, citing Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco in the GCC.

Company Description

CNS is a technology company that powers the future by providing digital solutions essential to support all enterprise and human development. While growing and managing a robust pool of supplier-partners for the benefit of our clients has always been a priority, we are constantly re-inventing ourselves.

Founded in 1987 with more than 30 years of experience, CNS employs over 320 employees including more than 250 certified engineers. We offer in-depth expertise and a range of best-in-class products that support the digital transformation of all major industries. With offices in three countries, we have an extensive reach into, and regional knowledge of the Middle East markets.
A shift into levering our many years of experience to develop pioneering software in-house will add yet another dimension to our highly innovative solutions-portfolio.

Job Description

The Head of Strategic Alliances & Partnerships is responsible for defining, owning, and executing CNS alliance strategy across the business. The role is accountable for developing executive relationships with technology vendors, distributors, and strategic ecosystem partners to accelerate business growth, maximize partner value, strengthen CNS market position, and build long term strategic partnerships.

The role owns the alliance governance model, executive engagement framework, partner ecosystem strategy, joint go-to-market strategy, and partner commercial value realization while ensuring alignment with the Sales teams.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner Relationship Management:

• Define and own CNS strategic partner portfolio based on business priorities and growth objectives.
• Build and own executive relationships with strategic technology partners (e.g., Cisco, Oracle, Microsoft, Dynatrace, DN, etc.).
• Own executive relationships with C-Level executives, Regional Vice Presidents, Country Managers, and Alliance Directors within partner organizations.
• Define and own alliance governance model, including Executive Business Reviews (EBRs) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Negotiate strategic partnership agreements, tier commitments, commercial frameworks, rebates, incentives, and vendor investment programs.
• Resolve strategic partnership issues and ensure long-term partnership value and executive alignment.

Joint Go-To-Market & Pipeline Support:

• Define and own joint go-to market strategies aligned with CNS business objectives.
• Own the development of partner generated demand and be accountable for achieving agreed partner influenced pipeline objectives.
• Drive executive account planning and strategic partner engagement on priority customer opportunities.
• Approve strategic partner participation in key pursuits and ensure alignment between partner capabilities and CNS priorities.
• Work closely with Sales Leadership and Business Units to maximize commercial opportunities generated through strategic alliances while maintaining Sales ownership of customer relationships and revenue.

 Partner Program Management:

• Own CNS participation across strategic partner programs, certifications, competencies, and partner tier strategy.
• Define and execute the roadmap for achieving and maintaining strategic partner status with key technology vendors.
• Negotiate and secure vendor funding, rebates, discounts, incentives, MDF, and other commercial benefits.
• Establish annual Joint Business Plans with strategic partners and monitor performance against agreed objectives.

Sales & Pre-Sales Enablement:

• Define the partner enablement strategy across Sales, Pre-Sales, Marketing, and Business Units.
• Establish partner training, certification, and enablement roadmaps aligned with strategic partnerships.
• Drive the development of joint solution offerings aligned with CNS’s services portfolio.
• Ensure Business Units effectively leverage partner capabilities to accelerate customer opportunities and strengthen solution positioning.

Marketing & Ecosystem Development:

• Define and own the annual alliance marketing and ecosystem development strategy.
• Sponsor joint marketing campaigns, executive customer engagements, industry events, and strategic partner initiatives.
• Drive the expansion of CNS strategic partner ecosystem by identifying and developing new technology partnerships.
• Represent CNS in partner ecosystem initiatives and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with leading industry analysts (e.g., Gartner, IDC) through regular briefings and engagements to strengthen CNS market visibility and positioning.

Performance Management & Reporting:

• Own the Alliance Performance Framework and establish KPIs to measure alliance performance and business impact.
• Be accountable for partner influenced pipeline, vendor funding, partner tier progression, and alliance value realization.
• Establish executive dashboards and provide regular performance updates to the GM and Leadership Team.
• Continuously assess and optimize the partner ecosystem to maximize business impact.

New Partnership Development:

• Identify, evaluate, and establish new strategic partnerships aligned with CNS business strategy and growth objectives.
• Develop business cases and long-term partnership strategies for new alliances.
• Lead commercial negotiations for partnership agreements, MSAs, and strategic collaboration frameworks in coordination with Legal, Finance, and Business Units.
• Define and implement structured onboarding and governance frameworks for new strategic partners.
• Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive developments to identify high value partnership opportunities.

Governance and Operating Model:

• Define, own, and continuously enhance the Strategic Alliances & Partnerships Governance Framework for CNS.
• Chair Executive Business Reviews (EBRs), Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and strategic governance forums with technology partners.
• Define alliance operating standards, engagement models, and governance processes across all regions.
• Ensure alignment between Sales, Business Units, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Pre-Sales, and Delivery to maximize the value of strategic partnerships.

• Maintain clear accountability whereby Sales retains ownership of customer relationships, commercial negotiations, and revenue, while the Head of Strategic Alliances & Partnerships owns partner strategy, executive relationships, alliance governance, and partner generated business.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Technology
• MBA is a plus

Experience

• 15 - 20  years of experience in ICT industry with significant experience in strategic alliances, partner management, or business development within the technology or system integration industry.
• Previous experience leading a Strategic Alliances or Partner function at a regional level.
• Experience working across multiple geographies, preferably within the GCC.
• Experience establishing alliance governance frameworks and executive engagement models.
• Experience building or scaling a strategic alliances function within a growing organization.

Additional Information

Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience developing and executing alliance strategies and managing executive relationships with global technology vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Dell, HPE, Palo Alto, IBM, ServiceNow, SAP, etc.) and driving strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in driving partner generated pipeline, securing vendor funding, rebates, incentives, and strategic business growth.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial agreements, partnership frameworks, MSAs, tier commitments, and vendor investments.
• Experience presenting alliance strategy, partnership performance, and business outcomes to executive leadership.

Compliance with policies and procedures based on the ISO standards adopted by CNS.