Head of Strategic Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Strategic Partnerships

🔹 Company: AfterShip

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Software Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (APAC and North America)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and leading AfterShip’s global strategic partnerships strategy
• Closing high-value deals with tech platforms, solution providers, agencies, and systems integrators
• Defining scalable programs for tech, agency, and integration partners
• Leading and mentoring a distributed partnerships team
• Collaborating cross-functionally to align partnership efforts with business objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and strong operational skills to balance both leadership and hands-on responsibilities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Design and lead AfterShip’s global strategic partnerships strategy to support revenue, product adoption, and market expansion

✅ Personally own and close high-value deals with tech platforms, solution providers, agencies, and systems integrators

✅ Define scalable programs (tech/agency/integration) including partner onboarding, enablement, co-selling, and co-marketing

✅ Lead and mentor a distributed partnerships team across APAC and North America

✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success to align partnership efforts with business objectives

✅ Set and manage KPIs to track partnership success and ROI, including sourced revenue, product integration usage, and co-marketing results

✅ Represent AfterShip externally at conferences, summits, and partner events as a senior spokesperson and ecosystem champion

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum 7 years in partnership management or business development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in strategic partnerships or business development
• Deep understanding of the eCommerce industry and logistics
• Excellent commercial instincts and strong negotiation skills
• Ability to influence cross-functionally and work effectively across time zones and teams
• Data-driven approach with a bias for action and experimentation

Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading geographically distributed teams across different time zones

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a strong understanding of the tech industry and relevant technologies would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 USD (based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Healthcare coverage offered from day 1
• Retirement plans including company match
• Annual learning & wellness benefit
• Monthly book perk
• Career progression & professional development
• In-office lunch and commuter benefits for those located in hub locations

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours depending on your time zone

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: AfterShip operates in the Software Development industry, focusing on eCommerce and logistics solutions.

Company Size: AfterShip has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: AfterShip was founded in 2012 and has since grown to serve over 17,000 customers worldwide.

Company Description:

• AfterShip offers a full suite of software covering the entire customer journey, from email automation and SMS marketing to shipment tracking, returns management, and multi-carrier shipping
• The company helps global eCommerce brands and retailers enhance the customer experience at every step
• AfterShip integrates with 1,000+ carriers worldwide and empowers top retailers and Fortune 500 companies to drive additional revenue, reduce operational costs, and improve CX

Company Specialties:

• Business Intelligence
• API solutions
• Integration
• Streamline
• Print Shipping labels
• Calculate Shipping Rates
• API Integrations
• API Solutions
• Customer Reviews
• One-Stop-Shop
• Post Sales Customer Service
• Enterprise Technical Support
• Enterprise Software Solutions
• eCommerce Software Solutions
• Best Online Shopping Experience
• Online Retailer Post Sales Support
• Shipping Performance and Analytics
• Integration with Shipment Tracking Systems
• Shipping Data Analytics
• Global Client Base of International Online Retailers and Marketplaces
• Partnership with International Couriers
• International Carriers
• International Logistic Companies
• Developing for Developers
• Software Integration and Solutions
• Branded Tracking Solutions
• Branded Returns Solutions
• Branded Shipping Solutions
• Branded Reviews Solutions
• Branded Rewards Solutions
• Branded Customer Reviews
• Branded Shipment Tracking
• Branded Package Tracking
• Branded Returns and Refunds
• Customer Self Service Returns Solutions
• Customer Self Service Shipment Tracking Solutions
• Customer Care
• Customer Success
• Customer Rewards
• and Customer Service

Company Website: http://www.aftership.com

ASSUMPTION: AfterShip's focus on customer experience and global reach provides a dynamic environment for growth and innovation.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, offering the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and mentor team members.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Strategic Partnerships will report directly to the VP of Revenue and lead the Global Partnerships team, spanning APAC and North America.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote OK, with up to 30% travel annually for industry events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding AfterShip's global presence and partnerships
• Developing and implementing innovative partnership strategies
• Building and leading high-performing teams
• Contributing to AfterShip's overall business strategy and growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of personal development and career advancement within AfterShip.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AfterShip operates a remote-first team, with hub locations in Singapore, Austin, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Noida, Toronto, and Barcelona.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is a multicultural city with a thriving tech industry
• The city offers a high quality of life with numerous amenities and attractions
• AfterShip's Toronto office is centrally located, providing easy access to public transportation and nearby restaurants

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours depending on your time zone

ASSUMPTION: AfterShip's remote-first approach provides flexibility and work-life balance, while the Toronto office offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• Behavioral and situational interview with the VP of Revenue
• Final interview with the CEO and other senior stakeholders
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and partnership development
• Negotiation skills and commercial acumen
• Leadership and team management
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Alignment with AfterShip's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant partnership experience and achievements in your resume
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your partnership strategy, negotiation skills, and leadership style
• Research AfterShip's industry and competition to demonstrate your understanding of the market landscape

ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Business Development, eCommerce, Logistics, Negotiation, Cross-functional Collaboration, Data-driven Decision Making, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Relationship Building, Revenue Generation, Market Expansion, Program Development, Mentoring, Public Speaking, Travel

ASSUMPTION: AfterShip's interview process is designed to assess both strategic thinking and cultural fit, with a focus on the candidate's ability to drive partnerships and contribute to the company's growth.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: AfterShip uses industry-standard tools and technologies to support its global operations and partnerships.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric: AfterShip prioritizes customer experience and satisfaction in all aspects of its business
• Innovative: The company encourages creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning
• Collaborative: AfterShip fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Inclusive: AfterShip values diversity and promotes an inclusive work environment

Work Style:

• Agile and dynamic: AfterShip operates in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, requiring adaptability and flexibility
• Data-driven: The company makes decisions based on data and analytics to inform strategy and improve performance
• Global and remote: AfterShip's global presence and remote work arrangements necessitate strong communication and collaboration skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with partners in a remote work environment?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully negotiated a high-value partnership, and what was the outcome?
• How do you prioritize and manage your time and workload when working with multiple teams across different time zones?

ASSUMPTION: AfterShip's culture values collaboration, innovation, and a customer-centric mindset, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a distributed team across different time zones and cultures
• Balancing strategic planning and tactical execution in a fast-paced environment
• Navigating the competitive eCommerce and logistics landscape
• Adapting to AfterShip's remote-first work culture

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a strategic approach to partnership development and management.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other strategic partnership roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution
• AfterShip's global presence and focus on customer experience set it apart from competitors in the eCommerce and logistics space
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within AfterShip or other global eCommerce companies

ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity to drive strategic partnerships and contribute to AfterShip's growth in a dynamic and innovative industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a global partnership strategy to expand AfterShip's market reach and customer base
• Negotiating and closing high-value deals with tech platforms, solution providers, agencies, and systems integrators
• Designing and implementing scalable programs for tech, agency, and integration partners to drive co-selling and co-marketing efforts

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic and operational aspects of the Head of Strategic Partnerships role at AfterShip.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does AfterShip measure the success of its strategic partnerships, and what are the key KPIs used to track performance?
• Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for the Global Partnerships team, and how does this role fit within the organization?
• How does AfterShip support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in leadership roles like this one?
• What are the most significant challenges facing AfterShip's strategic partnerships in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role address them?
• How does AfterShip foster a remote-first work culture, and what resources are available to support remote employees?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help assess the role's responsibilities, AfterShip's partnership strategy, and the company's commitment to employee growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant partnership experience and achievements
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of AfterShip's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
• If applicable, prepare examples or case studies showcasing your partnership development and management skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to inquire about your application status

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