Senior Partner Account Management

In Consumer Sales Organization (CSO) we are a global team at Microsoft responsible for sales across Modern Life (Windows, Microsoft 365, and Surface) and Gaming. CSO puts the consumer at the center, helping them discover, learn, and buy through direct and partner channels in over 120 countries around the world. Our team works with ecosystem partners and internal business groups to drive digital excellence and e-commerce capability, as well as accelerate cloud and subscription adoption. Together, we win by delivering compelling at-home and on-the-go experiences combining intelligent edge devices and services that create Microsoft fans for life.

The Modern Life Sales role is working on the MSH Account and responsible for maximizing sales through MSH for Modern Life products - M365, Windows Consumer, Surface, and Accessories. This account management role manages one of our biggest partners and works to transform the partners' business model and providing operational support expertise to drive Microsoft's strategy and enable MSH to grow their business in the DACH/CEE geo.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

**Responsibilities**:
**Relationship Building and Management**
- Drive partner transformation and growth to prioritize and execute on new and strategic initiatives with MSH
- Develop a deep understanding of the Retailer’s strategy, business imperatives, and profitability drivers.
- Share broad industry and ecosystem knowledge of market and technology trends with Retailers.
- Facilitate partner-to-partner discussions and Microsoft executive meetings to support Retailer’s innovation and differentiation strategies.
- Leverage industry knowledge, channel insight and customer understanding to drive strategic alignment and land joint business objectives with managed retailers
- Act as a partner advocate for all MSH interests, goals, and objectives.
- Demonstrate good understanding of MSH´s contracts with Microsoft and help them stay compliant and ensure their understanding on all aspects of Microsoft roadmaps, timelines, and program terms to improve partner satisfaction.
- Identify key focus areas to create actionable & effective account planning
- Orchestrate annual and seasonal planning process with partner

**Account Management**
- Develop multiyear strategies to compete and win share by ensuring the right assortment at the right price through strong Gaming portfolio management across all Gaming product categories
- Drive partner transformation and growth to prioritize and execute on new and strategic initiatives with partners
- Support partner through the digital transformation journey to ensure omni-channel presence and growth
- Drive and land regular account performance reviews internally and with partner, and secure inclusion into the partner business cycle
- Work with partners to identify their plans and strategies around devices and services.
- Build and execute plans that produce full utilization and participation in applicable incentive programs. Ensure all discretionary funding produces an ROI aligned to corporate guidance.
- Establish and execute a formal rhythm to manage progress of joint commitments, reprioritize and develop plans for newly identified opportunities.
- Develop deep knowledge of Partner business practices (procurement strategies, marketing capabilities, etc.) and effectively guide Partners through the potential impact when Microsoft evolves programs, guidelines, or strategic focus.

**Business Development**
- Drive improvement in partner satisfaction (CPE) through timely issue resolution and partner support
- Drive ease of doing business in alignment with CPE (Customer and Partner Experience) Survey results through timely issue resolution & partner support

**Qualifications**:
**Required/Minimum Qualifications**
- 7+ years Partner management, sales, business development, platform ecosystem/network, or partner channel development in the technology industry
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Business Adminstration, Engineering or related field AND 10+ years partner management, sales, business development, platform ecosystem/network, or partner channel development in the technology industry
- OR equivalent experience.
- 4+ years experience with planning, budgeting, and other project management activities.
- 2+ years people management experience.
- Fluent German and English is essential.

**Additional or Preferred Qualifications**
- 7+ years experience with planning, budgeting, and other project management activities.
- Deep understanding of IT & gaming industry, consumer channels, retail landscape and impact of emerging trends
- Building strategic re