[Position] Sr Alliance Specialist

Summary:

Responsible for growing the business for SAS with Strategic partners in Japan by designing and executing joint go to market plans for focus industries. Based in Japan, the ideal candidate will have worked for or with Global System Integrators in Japan in an advisory, solution sales or delivery capacity.  Proficient written and spoken Japanese and English is required. Leadership, tenacity and creativity is desirable for engaging cross-functional teams in the pursuit of maximising revenue for SAS and our partners and delivering positive client outcomes.     

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Alignment

• In consultation and alignment with SAS global Alliances & Channels objectives, develop and execute business plans with clear goals, measurable objectives, and defined success criteria for assigned SAS region/BU and/or assigned Partner(s).
• Focus on assigned partner(s), acts as primary point of contact for named partner(s) and manage all aspects of the alliance relationship with accountability for meeting partner revenue quotas.
• Deliver high-value partner SAS revenue via the Alliance Partner organization by utilizing in-depth knowledge of BU/Country needs, partner expertise, and multiple business model options so that SAS can maximize partner value during the solution sales cycle to increase SAS close ratios and revenue.

Executive Alignment

• Identify, develop, and maintain relationship with influential executives within SAS and the Partner’s organization who can/will materially impact our ability to execute. Maintain particular focus on Sales, Marketing and Product Management as well as Partner Programs to ensure consistent messaging and communication to partners.
• Responsible for aligning SAS internal strategy and direction with respect to the Alliance business and market focus.

Stakeholder Alignment

• Perform and maintain peer mapping to identify appropriate and equivalent stakeholders from SAS and the Partner and to align roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinate partner, SAS pre-sales, and SAS Professional Services team members to design/develop/execute successful pre-sales support and delivery engagement models to ensure integrated coordinated team and competent delivery of integrated and repeatable offerings.
• Work in conjunction with the Legal Division to ensure implementation and compliance with SAS Partner Program to ensure maximum scale and consistency across industry or geographic boundaries.

Joint Business Planning

• Business plans should be developed with consideration for joint business development, thought leadership, marketing and market presence, lead generation, partner enablement plans, and will include revenue targets and other key success metrics.

Governance

• Monitor and ensure partner program compliance. Develop and execute a regular communication plan to keep joint business plan on trace and maintain alignment.  Develop and manage day-to-day operations for assigned partner(s) to ensure that they are effectively managed and that performance objectives are achieved.
• Track and report results (revenue, pipeline, and other key success metrics as agreed to with management) to ensure that objectives are met. Manage the pipeline process with input of Sales and pre-sales activities utilizing the SAS system of record for sales, Orion, and in compliance with the Partner Program, Opportunity Registration Form (ORF) for partner recognition.

Escalation Model

• Develop and execute when necessary a process for escalation of Alliance issues. Identify escalation path specific to SAS and partner(s) stakeholders.
• Aligned with regional strategy and geographic requirements this role may be a hybrid position incorporating aspects of the Channel Account Manager role.

Additional Responsibilities

• Focuses on one large segment of one large alliance or multiple small alliances.
• Manages strategic initiative engagement aspects of Strategic Alliances Relationships.
• Acts as first point of contact on specific business initiatives with Alliance partners.
• Acts as an educator on partner competencies and execution abilities for internal groups.
• Ability to influence/ build relationships w/ all levels of management in SAS and with Alliance.
• Interact w/ SAS Sr. Management.
• Escalate and inform when critical.
• Understand and present strategic and tactical goals of Alliance.
• Understand the SAS technology and strategic directions.
• Reliably build process for long term project success.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of solution selling and product marketing techniques, business partner relationship development strategies, or technical function within the technology industry and/or knowledge of a specific industry, market, technology, or business initiative related to area of assignment
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Public speaking experience.
• In –country business perspective.
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Ability to travel nationally

Education

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Marketing, Computer Science, or other related field.

Experience

Typically requires eight years of experience in sales, marketing, business partner relationship development, or technical function within the technology industry, including related products and services. (Experience in a specific industry, market, technology, or business initiative related to area of assignment may be substituted for experience in the technology industry.

Diverse and Inclusive

At SAS, it’s not about fitting into our culture – it’s about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our diverse workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers. Our commitment to diversity is a priority to our leadership, all the way up to the top; and it’s essential to who we are. To put it plainly: you are welcome here.

Additional Information:

SAS only sends emails from verified “sas.com” email addresses and never asks for sensitive, personal information or money. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of any type of communication from, or on behalf of SAS, please contact Recruitingsupport@sas.com.

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