Job Summary: The Head of Partner Management is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive governance framework to manage the partner ecosystem effectively. This role ensures that partner operations adhere to compliance standards, performance metrics, and strategic business goals. The incumbent will work cross functionally with legal, risk, compliance, and business development teams to drive accountability, transparency, and consistency in all partner engagements. Key Responsibilities: Governance Framework Development:
Design and implement a robust partner governance framework, ensuring clear guidelines and processes for partner selection, onboarding, management, and termination.
Establish policies, protocols, and standards that align partner activities with corporate objectives, compliance requirements, and legal frameworks.
Risk Management and Compliance:
Monitor partner activities for adherence to legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
Identify and manage risks associated with Business Partners, including operational, financial, and reputational risks.
Collaborate with internal audit, legal, and compliance teams to ensure that partners meet industry standards and corporate governance requirements.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) to assess partner performance regularly.
Implement dashboards and reporting systems to track partner performance, risk levels, and compliance with governance standards.
Provide periodic reports to senior management on the status of partner governance and performance outcomes.
Partner Due Diligence:
Lead due diligence processes for potential partners, ensuring they meet financial, legal, and operational criteria.
Conduct regular audits of existing partners to ensure continued compliance with corporate governance and performance expectations.
Contract Management:
Oversee the development and management of contracts with partners, ensuring that all agreements clearly define roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and compliance requirements.
Work closely with legal teams to review and update contracts in line with changing business needs and regulatory landscapes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Act as a liaison between business units and partners, ensuring that all engagements are aligned with governance protocols and business goals.
Work with procurement, sales, and operations teams to establish governance guidelines for partner engagements across different functions.
Issue Resolution and Escalation:
Implement processes for addressing partner related issues, including noncompliance, underperformance, and contractual breaches.
Establish a formal escalation process to resolve disputes or governance violations efficiently.
Training and Awareness:
Develop and deliver governance training programs for internal teams and partners to ensure a shared understanding of governance policies and expectations.
Promote a culture of accountability and compliance within the organization and among partners.
Continuous Improvement:
Regularly assess and refine the partner governance framework to adapt to evolving business needs, regulatory changes, and market dynamics.
Drive initiatives to improve partner performance, reduce risks, and optimize operational efficiency through governance.
Leadership and Team Management:
Lead a team responsible for partner governance activities, along with compliance officers, risk managers, and performance analysts.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and governance excellence within the team.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
10+ years of experience in partner management, governance, risk management, or compliance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks, especially in partner-driven ecosystems.
Experience in managing contractual agreements, partner performance metrics, and compliance programs.
Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
Knowledge of industry specific regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., healthcare, technology, financial services).
Experience working cross functionally with legal, risk, and operational teams.
Preferred Skills:
Familiarity with partner management platforms, contract management software, and risk management tools.
Experience in regulatory reporting and compliance tracking.
Understanding of international governance standards (ISO, GDPR, etc.).
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
Key Attributes:
Detail oriented with a strong focus on accountability and governance.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage internal teams and external partners effectively.
Ability to influence and drive compliance and governance initiatives across the organization.
