This role aligns to industry titles such as Director of Partner Strategy, Planning & Programs
Partner Strategy & Program Lead
Join a high-impact role at the centre of our partner-led growth strategy, where you’ll shape how we scale through our ecosystem and deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
The Role
We’re looking for a strategic and execution-focused leader to define and operationalise our partner growth strategy. Sitting at the heart of our partner ecosystem, you’ll bridge long-term vision with day-to-day execution—ensuring our partners are aligned, activated, and driving revenue.
Reporting to the Head of Partner Operations & Strategy, you’ll lead a team responsible for both where we play (strategy and planning) and how we win (programs and lifecycle execution).
What You’ll Be Doing
Partner Strategy & Ecosystem Design
Define and evolve the global partner strategy aligned to business growth objectives
Segment the partner ecosystem (channel, SI, technology, OEM) and clarify roles across each
Identify priority markets, industries, and partners for expansion
Partner with Product and Corporate Strategy on build, buy, or partner decisions
Strategic Planning & Coverage
Lead annual and multi-year partner planning cycles
Design coverage models, territory alignment, and capacity planning
Identify whitespace opportunities and optimise partner deployment globally
Align partner strategy with Sales, Marketing, and Finance planning
Partner Program Design
Own the global partner program framework, including tiering, benefits, and requirements
Build scalable, performance-driven program structures
Ensure programs drive partner activation, productivity, and growth
Continuously evolve programmes based on insight and performance
Partner Lifecycle & Experience
Define and optimise the full partner lifecycle (recruit onboard activate grow retain)
Enhance onboarding, activation, and engagement through structured programmes
Deliver a consistent, high-quality global partner experience
Use partner feedback to improve lifecycle and programme design
Investment & MDF Strategy
Define the approach to partner investments (e.g. MDF, co-marketing)
Ensure benefits are aligned to performance and outcomes
Track and optimise ROI on partner investments
Prioritise high-performing partners and markets
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and Partner Enablement
Ensure alignment between partner strategy and go-to-market priorities
Collaborate with systems, incentives, and analytics teams
Provide strategic insight and recommendations to leadership
Performance & Optimisation
Define and track KPIs across strategy, programmes, and lifecycle
Use data to continuously refine approach and improve effectiveness
Drive measurable improvements in partner activation, productivity, and retention
Leadership
Lead and develop a high-performing team across strategy, planning, programmes, and lifecycle
Establish clear ownership, operating rhythms, and accountability
Foster a culture of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and continuous improvement About You
Strong experience in partner strategy, revenue operations, channel programmes, or go-to-market strategy
Proven success building and scaling partner ecosystems and programmes
Experience leading and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams
Strong strategic planning, segmentation, and financial modelling capability
Deep understanding of partner lifecycle and channel business models
Nice to have
Background in SaaS or high-growth technology environments
Experience in consulting, corporate strategy, or planning roles
Experience designing global partner programmes and tiering structures
Familiarity with ecosystem-led growth models
What You'll Bring
Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
Ability to build and scale programmes and frameworks
Data-driven decision making
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
Commercial and financial acumen
Clear and confident communication style
What Success Looks Like
Growth in partner-sourced and influenced revenue
Improved partner activation, onboarding, and retention
Increased adoption and effectiveness of partner programmes
Strong ROI from partner investments
Expanded market coverage and partner performance
Clear alignment between partner strategy and business growth
Why Join
This is a key role connecting strategy with execution across the partner ecosystem. You’ll play a critical part in shaping how we scale through partners—ensuring our approach is aligned, optimised, and driving predictable growth.
Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:
The minimum full-time salary range is between $150-190,000.
This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to https://pearson.jobs/
Pearson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Application Deadline:
Applications will be accepted through Jun 28th , 2026 . This window may be extended depending on business needs.
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Who we are:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].
Job: Sales
Job Family: GO_TO_MARKET
Organization: Chief Business Office
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Remote
Req ID: 24201
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