Strategic Partnerships Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Strategic Partnerships Manager

🔹 Company: Freshworks

🔹 Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Software Development

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-25

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders within named accounts to develop successful entry points for Device42.
• Recruiting new partners for Device42 use cases and training resources within the partner organization on Device42's capabilities.
• Leveraging and coordinating other Freshworks and Device42 resources to support partner enablement and channel marketing.
• Expanding Device42's presence within partner organizations and generating net new partner deal registrations.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders. Familiarity with the APJ region's global business practices is also crucial for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Identify key stakeholders within named accounts and develop successful entry points for Device42.

✅ Recruit new partners for Device42 use cases and train resources within the partner organization on Device42's capabilities.

✅ Leverage and coordinate other Freshworks and Device42 resources, including account executives, solutions architects, partner enablement, and channel marketing, to support partner success.

✅ Expand Device42's presence within partner organizations by seeking out adjacent spaces and opportunities for expansion.

✅ Align Device42 sales resources with client business development and collaborate with sales on initial deals as necessary.

✅ Support pre-sales, sales, and delivery training for initial deals and ensure adequate capacity in partner organizations to deliver (train centers of excellence).

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management skills to ensure successful partner onboarding and enablement.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 5+ years of demonstrated regional experience working with regional distributors, global service integrators, and resellers. Experience working with GSIs is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to manage resources from a matrix organization and within an overlay position.
• Excellent technical understanding of infrastructure and application architecture.
• Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, data center, and cloud modernization principles, application, and cloud technologies.
• Familiarity and comfort with global business practices and etiquette, specific to the APJ region.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience selling software in and through a focus partner.
• Fluency in multiple languages, particularly regional languages in the APJ region.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the software industry and a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and cloud technologies will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST). Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate partner needs.

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: Freshworks operates in the software development industry, focusing on providing people-first AI service software to deliver exceptional customer and employee experiences.

Company Size: Freshworks is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: Freshworks was founded in 2010 and has since grown to serve over 72,000 companies worldwide, including prominent brands like Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music.

Company Description:

• Freshworks builds uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences.
• The company's enterprise-grade solutions are powerful, yet easy to use, and quick to deliver results.
• Freshworks' people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, making employees more effective and organizations more productive.

Company Specialties:

• Customer Support Software
• Helpdesk
• Web 2.0
• SaaS
• Support Ticket System
• Web-Based Support Ticket System
• CRM
• ITSM
• Applicant Tracking System
• Conversion Optimization Suite

Company Website: Freshworks

ASSUMPTION: Freshworks' focus on providing exceptional customer and employee experiences creates a strong company culture that prioritizes employee growth and success.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management or senior individual contributor level, requiring strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: The Strategic Partnerships Manager will report directly to the Head of Strategic Partnerships and work closely with various teams, including sales, marketing, and product management.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary work location in Bangalore, India. Occasional travel may be required to meet with partners and attend industry events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior or director-level role within the strategic partnerships team.
• Expansion into other regions or verticals within Freshworks.
• Opportunities to work on strategic initiatives and projects that drive the company's growth and success.

ASSUMPTION: Freshworks offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development, with a strong emphasis on internal promotions and career progression.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Freshworks' Bangalore office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Bennigana Halli Road, Tower B, 5th floor c/o CoWrks New Indiranagar, Swamy Vivekananda Road, Sadanandanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560016, IN

Geographic Context:

• Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka, a state in southern India, and is known for its thriving tech industry and cosmopolitan culture.
• The city offers a mix of traditional Indian culture and modern amenities, with a wide range of dining, entertainment, and recreational options.
• Bangalore has a tropical savanna climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year, and experiences monsoon rains from June to September.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST, with occasional evening and weekend work required to accommodate partner needs.

ASSUMPTION: Bangalore's vibrant tech industry and cosmopolitan culture create an ideal environment for professionals seeking growth and development opportunities in the software industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• Technical assessment or case study presentation
• On-site or virtual interview with the team
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Technical knowledge of IT infrastructure and cloud technologies
• Cultural fit and alignment with Freshworks' values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Freshworks' products and the strategic partnerships team's goals in your application materials.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

ATS Keywords: Strategic Partnerships, Sales, Training, Collaboration, Technical Understanding, Infrastructure, Application Architecture, Cloud Technologies, Business Development, Partner Management, Resource Management, Global Business Practices, Data Center, Cloud Modernization, Partner Enablement, Channel Marketing

ASSUMPTION: Freshworks' recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for success in the role. The company values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Zoom
• Slack

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity
• Transparency
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on results and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
• Are you comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional teams?
• Do you have a strong customer focus and a results-driven approach to your work?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Freshworks' values and work style will be well-suited for this role and the company's culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Navigating global business practices and etiquette specific to the APJ region.
• Balancing the need for strategic thinking with the day-to-day demands of partner management.
• Adapting to changes in the market and competitive landscape.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as a willingness to adapt and learn in a dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Strategic Alliance Manager or Partner Development Manager but focuses specifically on the Device42 product within Freshworks.
• Compared to other strategic partnerships roles in the software industry, this position requires a strong technical understanding of infrastructure and cloud technologies.
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in strategic account management, product management, or senior leadership within Freshworks.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in similar roles or a strong understanding of the software industry and strategic partnerships will find this role to be a good fit for their career goals.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a go-to-market strategy for Device42 with a global system integrator partner.
• Expanding Device42's presence within a regional distributor's customer base through targeted marketing campaigns and co-selling opportunities.
• Managing the onboarding and enablement of a new partner, including training resources and coordinating with internal teams to ensure a successful launch.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the Strategic Partnerships Manager role and the impact it can have on Freshworks' growth and success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current strategic partnerships team and how this role fits into the organization?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Freshworks support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the strategic partnerships team, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Freshworks approach global business practices and etiquette, particularly in the APJ region?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company's culture, priorities, and growth opportunities.

📌 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 for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Research Freshworks' products, the strategic partnerships team's goals, and the APJ region's global business practices to demonstrate your understanding and fit for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position.

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