📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships
🔹 Company: Axon
🔹 Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Public Safety
🔹 Date Posted: July 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: No (On-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving alignment and execution across strategic priorities within the Strategic Partnerships team.
- Managing key initiatives and ensuring follow-through on high-priority cross-functional efforts.
- Collaborating with senior executives and navigating cross-functional environments.
- Operating as a key leader within the Strategy & Corporate Development team.
- Supporting Axon's mission to Protect Life and cut gun-related deaths by 50% by 2033.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive the S&P operating rhythm: own calendar priorities, meeting agendas, and preparation to ensure effective use of time and attention.
✅ Manage development of annual and quarterly strategic planning, goal setting (M&Ms/OKRs), and progress tracking across all Strategic & Corporate Development workstreams.
✅ Partner with the Strategy, Corporate Development, Strategic Alliances, and Executive teams and other internal stakeholders to build alignment and focus around key priorities.
✅ Define, launch, and track initiatives that support Axon’s growth strategy and long-range planning goals.
✅ Identify strategic gaps, friction points, and opportunities, and proactively drive solutions and improvements with and for the CSO.
✅ Ensure alignment and execution across teams driving Axon’s highest-priority strategic and corporate development initiatives, including M&A alignment, strategic partnerships, and international expansion.
✅ Orchestrate executive-level communications, including board materials, internal memos, and major initiative updates.
✅ Represent the Strategy and Partnerships in meetings and communications where appropriate; ensure clear follow-through and accountability on decisions.
✅ Lead or support special projects that require high judgment, cross-functional coordination, and rapid execution.
✅ Partner with the Head of Global Strategic Alliances to align and integrate partnership goals into the broader corporate strategy.
✅ Help track and manage key partner workstreams and joint initiatives with hyperscalers, AI companies, or emerging technology providers.
✅ Ensure partnership plans are appropriately resourced, prioritized, and tracked in line with strategic objectives.
✅ Collaborate with legal, product, and business development teams to operationalize partnership agreements and governance structures.
✅ Operate as a key leader within the Strategy & Corporate Development team, supporting its vision, execution rigor, and cultural tone.
✅ Develop trusted relationships with senior executives, helping to translate strategic ideas into actionable plans.
✅ Bring crisp clarity and structured thinking to ambiguous challenges and fast-moving discussions.
✅ Reinforce the cultural and operational values of the CSO and leadership team across the organization.
✅ Define and manage KPIs that measure progress against S&P-level goals, partner performance, and strategic initiatives.
✅ Ensure alignment between planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles.
✅ Deliver strategic insights and updates to executive leadership on a regular cadence.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Experience: 8–12+ years of experience in one or more of the following: corporate strategy, chief of staff or biz ops roles, top-tier management consulting, strategic partnerships, or growth operations.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of working closely with senior executives and navigating cross-functional environments.
- Experience in managing complex projects from inception to execution, especially with cross-org dependencies.
- Strong executive communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to synthesize and present insights clearly and persuasively.
- Excellent judgment, high integrity, and trustworthiness with confidential and sensitive information.
- Experience supporting or enabling partner and/or M&A initiatives is highly desirable.
- Prior knowledge of the public safety industry or connected technologies is highly desirable.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with strategic planning and goal-setting processes.
- Ability to thrive in a startup-like culture within a larger organization.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong operational background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionary paid time off
- Paid parental leave for all
- Medical, Dental, Vision plans
- Fitness Programs
- Emotional & Mental Wellness support
- Learning & Development programs
- Snacks in our offices
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and Axon's compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Public Safety
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (Mid-sized)
Founded: 1993 (Over 25 years ago)
Company Description:
- Axon represents the entire network of devices, applications, and people that is revolutionizing public safety around the world.
- The company's mission is to protect life and create a bullet-less world by providing innovative solutions for law enforcement, military, and private security professionals.
- Axon's product suite includes TASER devices, body-worn cameras, evidence management software, and cloud-based platforms for data storage and analysis.
Company Specialties:
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Technology
- Software Development
- R&D
- New Product Marketing
- Law Enforcement Sales
- artificial intelligence
- virtual reality
- Public Safety
- Training
- UX
- Less Lethal Weapons
- Body Cameras
- drones
- RMS
- TASER
- Policing
- Justice
- and Transparency
Company Website: http://www.axon.com
ASSUMPTION: Axon is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to protecting life through its suite of public safety solutions.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior-level management role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head, Global Strategic Alliances
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with the possibility of occasional remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the Strategy & Corporate Development team or across other functions within Axon.
- Opportunity to gain exposure to senior leadership and influence strategic decision-making.
- Possibility to work on high-impact initiatives that align with Axon's mission to Protect Life.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-impact initiatives and gain exposure to senior leadership.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): 17800 North 85th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, US (Headquarters); 1100 Olive Way, 13, Seattle, WA 98101, US (Seattle office)
Geographic Context:
- Seattle is a major tech hub with a thriving job market and a high cost of living.
- The city offers a mix of urban and outdoor activities, with easy access to mountains, forests, and waterways.
- Seattle has a diverse population and a strong sense of community.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The Seattle office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with HR
- Behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and teamwork abilities
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of the public safety industry or connected technologies
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your strategic planning and goal-setting processes, as well as your experience working with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
- Showcase your ability to manage complex projects and drive results in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Axon's mission and the public safety industry.
ATS Keywords: Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Coordination, Project Management, Executive Communication, Judgment, Integrity, Partnership Management, M&A Initiatives, Public Safety Knowledge, Systems Thinking, Stakeholder Engagement, Goal Setting, Performance Measurement, Leadership, Cultural Values Reinforcement, Operational Excellence
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills, as well as their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools is required for this role. Familiarity with data visualization and communication tools is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Protect Life
- Act with Integrity
- Pursue Innovation
- Embrace Change
- Be a Force for Good
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment
- Data-driven and analytical
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Committed to Axon's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Axon's core value of Protect Life, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a fast-paced environment, and how did you approach it?
- How do you ensure that you are effectively communicating complex ideas and insights to senior executives and cross-functional teams?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Axon's values and work style, with a commitment to the company's mission and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent changes and priorities.
- Managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
- Navigating a large, matrixed organization with multiple reporting lines and cross-functional dependencies.
- Balancing strategic planning and execution with day-to-day tactical tasks.
- Adapting to a startup-like culture within a larger, established organization.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic planning and execution within the Strategic Partnerships team, with a broad scope of responsibilities and significant impact on Axon's growth strategy.
- Compared to other strategic planning roles, this position offers a higher degree of autonomy and exposure to senior leadership.
- In terms of career path, this role provides an opportunity to grow within the Strategy & Corporate Development team or across other functions within Axon.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and leadership responsibilities, with significant growth potential for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic planning process for Axon's global expansion into new markets.
- Managing a cross-functional team to integrate a strategic partnership with a major technology company, including negotiation, agreement execution, and ongoing governance.
- Conducting a comprehensive review of Axon's product portfolio and recommending strategic adjustments to optimize resource allocation and growth potential.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and high-impact nature of the responsibilities associated with this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most significant strategic initiative you've worked on, and how did you ensure its successful execution?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with senior executives and cross-functional teams?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines, and how did you ensure successful delivery?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in the public safety sector, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?
- What are the most important qualities you look for in a team member, and how do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, as well as their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic 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, with a focus on strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and leadership.
- Prepare for your interviews by researching Axon's mission, values, and industry trends, and be ready to discuss your strategic approach to protecting life and driving growth.
- If selected for a final interview, be prepared to present a strategic plan for a hypothetical partnership or growth initiative, demonstrating your ability to think critically and creatively about Axon's future.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within 48 hours after your final interview to express your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
