π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Product Partnerships Manager
πΉ Company: Middesk
πΉ Location: San Francisco, California, United States (Hybrid: 2 days per week in office)
πΉ Job Type: Full-time
πΉ Category: Technology, Information and Internet
πΉ Date Posted: May 12, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting Middesk's growth by building differentiated products through strategic partnerships
- Leading vendor evaluations and managing existing product partners
- Gathering market intel and identifying opportunities to stay ahead of the competition
- Collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Operations, and Go-to-Market teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex partnerships.
π Key Responsibilities
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Lead new vendor evaluations and support build vs. buy decisions
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Manage a portfolio of existing product partners/vendors
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Gather market intel and identify opportunities
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Collaborate with internal teams to define strategy and evaluate, implement, and manage external vendors or data solutions
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Lead commercial and contract negotiations for partnerships and vendor relationships
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Provide input on product positioning and collaborate with Product Marketing to enable internal teams
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, or a related discipline)
Experience: 3+ years in Product Partnerships, Product Management, Strategic Partnerships, or Strategy in a B2B or data-driven environment
Required Skills:
- Proven experience working directly with product teams to define strategy and evaluate, implement, and manage external vendors or data solutions
- Strong business acumen and comfort navigating commercial agreements, vendor evaluations, and build vs. buy decisions
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly distill value to different parties and influence internal and external stakeholders
- Customer-oriented mindset, with the ability to understand and anticipate needs and define product strategies and solutions to meet them
- Cross-functional mindset, with experience working across Product, Engineering, GTM, and Operations teams
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the business identity, compliance, or data infrastructure space
- Familiarity with competitive landscapes and emerging trends in relevant markets
- Ability to synthesize competitive intel and inform product strategy
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in relevant fields and a strong understanding of product strategy and vendor management will be most successful in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for the role and location)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and skills.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Technology, Information and Internet
Company Size: 51-200 employees (Mid-size company: Applicants can expect a structured yet flexible work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration)
Founded: 2019 (Middesk is a relatively young company with a strong focus on innovation and growth)
Company Description:
- Middesk makes it easier for businesses to work together by transforming business identity verification
- Offers a platform that helps companies across industries confidently verify business identities, onboard customers faster, and reduce risk
- Backed by Sequoia Capital and Accel Partners, and named to Forbes Fintech 50 List and cited as an industry leader in business verification by Liminal
Company Specialties:
- Business identity verification
- Customer onboarding
- Risk reduction
Company Website: https://www.middesk.com/
ASSUMPTION: Middesk is a growing company with a strong focus on innovation and customer success. Applicants should be comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (This role offers opportunities for growth and career advancement within the company)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Product and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including Product, Operations, and Go-to-Market
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days per week in the office, with flexibility for remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the Product team
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive meaningful change
- Chance to learn from and collaborate with experienced professionals in the field
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates looking to make a significant impact and advance their careers within the company.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces in San Francisco and New York
Office Location(s): 85 2nd St, Suite 710, San Francisco, California 94105, US and 85 Broad St, New York, NY 10004, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco: A vibrant tech hub with a diverse range of industries and a strong startup culture
- New York: A global financial center with a dynamic business ecosystem
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to commute to the office 2 days per week.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- Behavioral and technical interviews with cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the Head of Product
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of relevant markets and competitive landscapes
- Ability to navigate complex partnerships and vendor relationships
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in product partnerships, product management, or strategic partnerships
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and thinking through potential challenges in the role
ATS Keywords: Product Partnerships, Product Management, Strategic Partnerships, Vendor Evaluations, Commercial Negotiations, Product Positioning, Market Understanding, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Orientation, Business Acumen, Communication Skills
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight relevant skills and experiences and prepare for interviews by researching the company and role.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, or Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, or Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable using common project management, communication, and data analysis tools.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-focused
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Trustworthy
Work Style:
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-oriented and action-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are you comfortable navigating ambiguity?
- Are you able to balance strategic thinking with strong communication and collaboration skills?
- Do you have a customer-oriented mindset, and are you able to understand and anticipate their needs?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Middesk's company values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience in the role.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple vendor relationships and priorities
- Balancing short-term wins with long-term strategic goals
- Navigating complex commercial agreements and contract negotiations
- Keeping up with emerging trends and competitive landscapes in relevant markets
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to tackle these challenges and demonstrate their ability to do so in the interview process.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional product management roles, this position focuses more on external partnerships and vendor management
- This role requires a strong understanding of relevant markets and competitive landscapes, as well as the ability to synthesize competitive intel
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior product management or strategic partnership roles within the company
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should understand the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to similar positions in the industry.
π Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of potential vendors for a new product feature or service
- Negotiating a strategic partnership agreement with a key player in the market
- Developing and implementing a vendor management framework to ensure optimal performance and alignment with product needs
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they approached them.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current vendor landscape and how this role will help shape our product strategy?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Product, Operations, and Go-to-Market, to define strategy and evaluate, implement, and manage external vendors or data solutions?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how does this role help address them?
- How does Middesk support the professional growth and development of its employees in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as product partnerships, product management, or strategic partnerships
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and thinking through potential challenges in the role
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.