📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Partner Manager, Startup Partnerships - Zendesk for Startups
🔹 Company: Zendesk
🔹 Location: Singapore - All - Fully Flexible
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-08
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with Venture Capital firms, Accelerators, and Technology Ecosystem partners to drive startup adoption of Zendesk in the APAC region.
- Managing and evaluating startup applications, converting them into paying Zendesk customers, and tracking impact.
- Supporting startups throughout their journey, from initial interest to onboarding and ongoing sales assistance.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align efforts and optimize the regional go-to-market approach.
- Shaping the growth strategy for the Startups program in APAC.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship building, and data-driven decision making. It's ideal for someone with a strong background in B2B SaaS or tech startup programs and a passion for the startup ecosystem.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Foster strong partner relationships by organizing events, sharing insights, and providing value to founders in partner communities.
✅ Manage and evaluate startup applications, helping convert them into paying Zendesk customers, tracking impact, and sharing referrals with sales teams.
✅ Support startups throughout their journey, from initial interest to onboarding and ongoing sales assistance, ensuring a smooth customer experience.
✅ Lead and coordinate with cross-functional teams to align efforts and optimize our regional go-to-market approach.
✅ Help shape the growth strategy for the Startups program in APAC.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and operational execution. It requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience: At least 7 years of relevant experience, ideally including leadership roles that drive team performance and support senior management.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience working in B2B SaaS or tech startup programs, preferably in a regional leadership capacity.
- Strong experience in customer- or partner-facing roles with a proven track record of success.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly explain business concepts and give presentations.
- Proficient in analyzing program data to measure impact and adjust strategies.
- Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-changing environment.
Preferred Skills:
- Subject matter expertise on managing customer support and/or sales teams.
- Hands-on knowledge of implementing and configuring Zendesk.
- Background as a founder, or experience working at an accelerator or venture capital firm.
- Familiarity with Airtable and Salesforce.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the regional startup ecosystem, with insights into key players and emerging trends. They should be comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving work environment and be skilled at building authentic relationships.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Partner Manager role in the APAC region, the estimated salary range is SGD 120,000 - 180,000 per year. This range is inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Generous time off and flexible working arrangements
- Employee discounts on Zendesk products and services
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Working Hours: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with some flexibility for remote work. The specific work arrangement may be discussed during the interview process.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on factors such as the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's performance. The benefits listed are subject to change and may vary depending on the candidate's location and employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Zendesk operates in the Software Development industry, focusing on customer service and support solutions. The company is known for its AI-powered service platform, which helps businesses strengthen relationships, improve efficiency, and grow.
Company Size: Zendesk is a mid-sized company with approximately 7,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for a mix of startup-like agility and enterprise-level resources, providing employees with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Founded: Zendesk was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company has since expanded its global presence, with offices in major cities around the world.
Company Description:
- Zendesk is a leader in AI-powered service, offering the Zendesk Resolution Platform to redefine customer experience.
- The platform combines automation and human insight for seamless interactions, enhancing service and strengthening relationships.
- Zendesk is committed to fostering global diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Company Specialties:
- Help Desks
- Customer Support
- SaaS
- Customer Community
- Customer Service
Company Website: http://zdsk.co/46mVi8h
ASSUMPTION: Zendesk's focus on AI-powered service and customer experience makes it an attractive employer for candidates interested in cutting-edge technology and innovative problem-solving.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Head of Zendesk for Startups. It offers opportunities for growth and leadership within the Startups program in APAC.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Partner Manager, Startup Partnerships will report to the Head of Zendesk for Startups and work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product management.
Work Arrangement: This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration. The specific work arrangement may be discussed during the interview process.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the Startups program grows, there may be opportunities for the incumbent to take on additional responsibilities or lead a team.
- Zendesk offers opportunities for professional development and career growth, including training programs and internal mobility.
- The APAC region is a key growth market for Zendesk, presenting opportunities for the incumbent to make a significant impact on the company's success.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior-level professional to make a significant impact on Zendesk's growth in the APAC region. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment and be skilled at building authentic relationships.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Zendesk's Singapore office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The office is located in the Marina One West Tower, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities.
Office Location(s): 9, Straits View, Marina One West Tower #10-08, Singapore 018937
Geographic Context:
- Singapore is a major hub for technology and innovation in the APAC region, with a thriving startup ecosystem.
- The city-state is known for its multiculturalism, offering a diverse range of food, culture, and entertainment options.
- Singapore has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
Work Schedule: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with some flexibility for remote work. The specific work arrangement may be discussed during the interview process.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, multicultural environment and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative work setting.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the Head of Zendesk for Startups
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with Zendesk's values
- Understanding of the regional startup ecosystem and trends
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Relationship-building and communication skills
- Data analysis and program management skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the regional startup ecosystem and your passion for driving startup adoption of Zendesk.
- Prepare examples of your past successes in building strategic partnerships and managing startup programs.
- Be ready to discuss your thoughts on the growth strategy for the Startups program in APAC.
ATS Keywords: Startup Partnerships, APAC, Venture Capital, Accelerators, Technology Ecosystem, Customer Acquisition, Strategic Partnerships, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Growth Strategy, Data Analysis, Customer Experience, Zendesk
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, relationship-building skills, and understanding of the regional startup ecosystem. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and drive customer acquisition through strategic partnerships.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Airtable
- Salesforce
- Zendesk platform
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the tools and technologies listed above, or be able to quickly learn and adapt to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customers First
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Inclusion
- Fun
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient
- Passionate about customer experience and startup ecosystems
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Zendesk's values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strategic partnerships with Venture Capital firms, Accelerators, and Technology Ecosystem partners?
- How do you ensure a smooth customer experience for startups throughout their journey with Zendesk?
ASSUMPTION: Zendesk is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style, as well as their ability to build authentic relationships and drive customer acquisition through strategic partnerships.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The APAC region is diverse and dynamic, with varying startup ecosystems and cultural norms. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a complex, evolving environment and be able to adapt their approach as needed.
- This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, relationship building, and operational execution. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- The startup ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new players and trends emerging regularly. The ideal candidate will be comfortable learning and adapting to new information and changes in the market.
- Zendesk is a global company with a strong presence in the APAC region. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a matrixed organization and collaborating with stakeholders across different time zones.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment and be skilled at building authentic relationships, self-motivated, and driven to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on growing Zendesk's presence among startups in the APAC region. While there may be similar roles in other companies, the specific focus on the startup ecosystem and regional growth strategy sets this role apart.
- The APAC region is a key growth market for Zendesk, presenting opportunities for the incumbent to make a significant impact on the company's success.
- This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior-level professional to make a significant impact on Zendesk's growth in the APAC region. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment and be skilled at building authentic relationships.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the regional startup ecosystem and be able to leverage their knowledge and networks to drive startup adoption of Zendesk.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a regional go-to-market strategy for Zendesk's Startups program in APAC
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key Venture Capital firms, Accelerators, and Technology Ecosystem partners in the region
- Managing and evaluating startup applications, converting them into paying Zendesk customers, and tracking impact
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize Zendesk's regional go-to-market approach and drive customer acquisition
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in building strategic partnerships, managing startup programs, and driving customer acquisition in the APAC region.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the Startups program in APAC and the growth strategy for the region?
- How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure of Zendesk, and how will I collaborate with cross-functional teams?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Zendesk support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Startups program in APAC, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be curious and proactive, asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their fit with Zendesk's culture and values.
📌 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 your understanding of the regional startup ecosystem and your passion for driving startup adoption of Zendesk.
- Prepare examples of your past successes in building strategic partnerships and managing startup programs.
- Be ready to discuss your thoughts on the growth strategy for the Startups program in APAC.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
