Channel Acquisition Program Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Channel Acquisition Program Manager

🔹 Company: Vahan

🔹 Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Internet Marketplace Platforms

🔹 Date Posted: May 6, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategies to acquire and onboard new Vendor Leaders (VLs) and channel partners
• Owning the end-to-end partner acquisition lifecycle
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams for seamless execution
• Tracking program performance and optimizing for scale

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Design and implement scalable acquisition strategies aligned with Vahan's growth goals

✅ Build and lead the execution of a robust acquisition playbook across markets and cohorts

✅ Manage the complete lifecycle of partners, from identification to onboarding and support through their first 90 days

✅ Develop onboarding materials and frameworks to set partners up for success from Day 1

✅ Collaborate with Demand, Marketing, Product, Account Management, Finance, and Growth teams to drive seamless execution

✅ Define KPIs, track program performance, and share actionable insights with leadership to optimize for scale

✅ Create a green channel for support and provide high-touch engagement during the critical early stages of partner activation

✅ Stay ahead of industry trends, analyze the competitive landscape, and recommend adjustments to the acquisition approach

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of ownership and requires a strong bias for action and a drive to win.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in sales or channel acquisition, with 2-3 years in a high-growth startup environment

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in sales or channel acquisition, particularly in sectors like FMCG, Telecom, or large-scale operations
• Strong understanding of distribution models and partner recruitment at scale
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Highly analytical and comfortable working with data to drive strategy and decision-making
• Ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across multiple stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in local languages (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.)
• Experience working with AI or machine learning technologies

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in high-growth environments and a strong understanding of distribution models will be most successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 20-30 LPA (Estimated, based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• Monthly Wellness Leaves
• Competitive Pay & Growth Opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for remote work as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Vahan operates in the Internet Marketplace Platforms industry, focusing on AI-powered recruitment for India's blue-collar workforce.

Company Size: Vahan is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Founded: Vahan was founded in 2016 and is backed by prominent investors like Y Combinator, Khosla Ventures, Airtel, and Vijay Shekhar Sharma (CEO, Paytm).

Company Description:

• Vahan is building the first AI-powered recruitment marketplace for India's 300 million-strong blue-collar workforce, opening doors to economic opportunities and brighter futures.
• The company leverages cutting-edge technology and AI to recruit for some of the most recognized companies in the country.
• Vahan's vision is to become the go-to platform for blue-collar professionals worldwide, not just providing earning opportunities but also the tools, benefits, and support they need to thrive.

Company Specialties:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Recruitment
• Blue Collar
• Machine Learning
• Hiring
• High Volume Recruitment
• Recruitment Automation
• Messaging Applications

Company Website: vahan.ai

ASSUMPTION: Vahan's focus on AI and blue-collar recruitment makes it a unique and innovative company to work for in the recruitment industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring significant experience in sales or channel acquisition.

Reporting Structure: The Channel Acquisition Program Manager will report directly to the Head of Channel Acquisition or a similar role.

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Vahan continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Channel Acquisition Program Manager to take on more responsibilities and advance their career within the company.
• The role offers the chance to work closely with cross-functional teams, providing exposure to various aspects of the business and potential growth paths.

ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities in this role are tied to Vahan's overall growth and expansion in the Indian market.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Vahan's office is located in Indiranagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Office Location(s): Indiranagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560038, IN

Geographic Context:

• Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and the third-largest city in India, known for its tech industry and vibrant culture.
• The office is located in Indiranagar, a popular neighborhood with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shopping options.
• The city experiences a tropical savanna climate, with moderate weather throughout the year.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for remote work as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The location and work environment at Vahan provide a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final round with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and channel acquisition experience
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and stakeholder management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Vahan's mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Vahan's mission and how your background aligns with the company's goals.
• Prepare examples of your past successes in sales or channel acquisition to discuss during the interview.

ATS Keywords: Channel Acquisition, Sales, Partner Recruitment, Distribution Models, Stakeholder Management, Data-Driven Strategy, Influencing Skills, Self-Starter, Ownership, Bias for Action

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Vahan is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
• AI and machine learning platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies used at Vahan are industry-standard and may vary depending on the specific role and team.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Customer-centricity
• Continuous learning

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Data-driven and analytical
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have you successfully acquired partners or channels in a high-growth environment?
• Can you describe a time when you had to influence stakeholders without direct authority?
• How do you stay organized and prioritize your work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?

ASSUMPTION: Vahan values candidates who are innovative, data-driven, and collaborative, with a strong work ethic and a growth mindset.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of partners and ensuring their success
• Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution
• Working effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to changes in the market and competitive landscape

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges in this role require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other channel acquisition roles, this position offers a unique focus on AI-powered recruitment for the blue-collar workforce.
• Vahan's industry-specific context provides a distinct opportunity to impact the lives of millions of blue-collar workers in India.
• Career paths in this role may include progression to leadership positions within the channel acquisition team or broader roles within the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of industry-specific context, AI technology, and the opportunity to impact a large population of blue-collar workers.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a targeted acquisition campaign for a specific region or cohort
• Analyzing market trends and adjusting the acquisition strategy accordingly
• Creating and implementing a partner onboarding process to improve activation rates

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and analytical nature of the Channel Acquisition Program Manager role at Vahan.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Vahan support the growth and development of its channel partners?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the channel acquisition team?
• How does Vahan measure the success of its channel acquisition programs, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the company?
• How does Vahan foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into Vahan's culture and work environment.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your past successes in sales or channel acquisition to discuss during the interview.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.