At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop strategic partnerships with Microsoft to drive business growth.
- Company: Join a global digital consultancy that values people and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Other info: Access to free training, Microsoft certifications, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while collaborating with top industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing technology alliances and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Home-based with travel to client site or Columbus offices as required
Salary: Negotiable (We aim to improve your current package)
Bonus: Yes
Holiday: 25 Days, Plus Bank Holidays (Increasing with Service)
Medical Insurance: Yes (terms apply) plus additional HealthCashback Plan
Hours: Full time (36.5 hpw)
Travel/Expenses: A car is required for travel to client sites – expensed at 45p per mile from home address (excluding travel to any Columbus Office within 35mi)
THRIVE, GROW and SHAPE THE FUTURE
People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Just as importantly, we’re a workplace where careers are nurtured and development is supported through clear, structured career paths. Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success.
Diversity and Inclusion are close to our hearts. By joining our team, you will be part of a supportive network that values your voice, respects your ideas, and promotes a healthy work‑life balance. Our average length of service in the UK is 8 years, as we are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates and supports career growth and advancement in becoming a Trusted Advisor. We provide equal opportunities for everyone, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply for positions across our organisation, and in return, we will give you the tools and support to thrive with us, grow your skillsets, and be empowered to shape the future.
The role of Alliances Manager - Microsoft
As Alliances Manager - Microsoft, you'll be responsible for leading and developing Columbus's strategic partnership with Microsoft across the UK. This role plays a key part in strengthening our market position, aligning go‑to‑market activity, and ensuring our partnership delivers meaningful value for customers, Microsoft and Columbus alike. You'll work closely with internal sales, delivery and leadership teams, as well as Microsoft stakeholders, to turn strategy into consistent, high‑quality results.
- Owning and leading the Microsoft alliance strategy in line with Columbus's business priorities
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with Microsoft stakeholders across UK, EMEA and global teams.
- Driving joint planning, co‑sell activity and go‑to‑market alignment across priority accounts
- Working closely with the Columbus sales and delivery teams to enable effective and intentional partnership execution
- Supporting growth across Azure consumption and strategic solution areas, including Data & AI, Security, Modern Work and Copilot.
- Improving internal alliance maturity by enabling teams on Microsoft programmes, incentives, deal registration and partner governance
- Supporting the development and promotion of customer successes, use cases and industry narratives to raise Columbus's profile within the Microsoft ecosystem
Travel and Hybrid Working
We have an environment that gives you the flexibility to achieve an effective work‑life balance for you and your family, whether you want to work from home or at one of our luxury Cubo offices around the UK. We continue to offer our customers onsite consultancy time if requested, so flexibility around travel and overnight stays is expected, dependent on the project requirements. Onsite time is planned ahead of time, within 2‑week blocks, so you know well in advance where you will be working. We encourage those in customer‑facing roles to aim to come into the office at least once a month, and also for team meetings and client meetings; however, you can work from Nottingham HQ or any Cubo office regularly if you prefer, whichever suits you.
About you (The Essentials)
- Experience managing a strategic technology alliance, ideally within the Microsoft partner ecosystem
- A clear understanding of Microsoft partner programmes, co‑sell models and governance
- Confidence working with senior and executive stakeholders across partner and customer organisations
- The ability to align multiple teams and priorities while keeping communication clear and purposeful
- A customer‑focused mindset with the ability to connect partnership activity to real business outcomes
- Full driver's licence and access to a vehicle
- Curious, looking to challenge the status quo and improve
- Collaborates well with both internal and external colleagues
- Committed to personal development and becoming a Trusted Advisor in your field.
What we can offer
- 25 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with Service)
- Columbus Benefits Hub – Discounts on Tickets, Shopping, Car leasing, Holidays, Food and More
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Access to Free Training Courses Delivered by Columbus Academy
- Free Microsoft Certifications and access to Microsoft Learn
- Modern Airconditioned Office Spaces fully managed by Cubo (multiple UK locations)
- Free Barista Coffee and hot drinks made in‑house
- Free Beer and Fizz every day (2 - 5pm)
- Casual Dress Code in our Offices
- Personal Pension Plan
- Life Assurance x4 Salary
- Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme
- £2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals (if eligible)
- Flexi‑phone upgrade scheme (if eligible)
- Plus many many more (check out our careers pages for details)
Employee Wellbeing Program (terms apply)
Free 24/7 Access to Cubo Gym(s)
Vitality Medical Insurance
Westfield Health Cash plan (includes an Employee Assistance Lines)
Mental health first aiders
Virtual suggestion boxes
Gold Partner and Inner Circle
As a Microsoft Gold Partner for over 20 years, Columbus has access to a range of market‑leading resources, training and certifications. As well as a host of awards, Columbus has twice been named partner of the year by Microsoft. As Microsoft Inner Circle members, Columbus has been recognised as part of an elite category of partners. This honour is only awarded to the very best in the industry for thought leadership, innovation and dedication, with Inner Circle partners representing only the Top 1% of the Microsoft ecosystem.
Alliances Manager - Microsoft in Birmingham employer: Columbus UK
Contact Detail:
Columbus UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Alliances Manager - Microsoft in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry, especially those at Microsoft. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Alliances Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Columbus and its partnership with Microsoft inside out. Be ready to discuss how you can drive joint planning and co-sell activities. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Columbus and being part of our amazing culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Alliances Manager - Microsoft in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Alliances Manager role. Highlight your experience with strategic technology alliances, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem, to show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that align with the job description. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed partnerships and driven results.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value curiosity and a customer-focused mindset, so share your passion for technology and how you’ve challenged the status quo in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbus UK
✨Know Your Microsoft Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft’s partner programmes and co-sell models. Familiarise yourself with their latest technologies, especially in areas like Azure, Data & AI, and Security. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in the partnership.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Columbus values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you can foster strong connections with Microsoft teams and internal colleagues alike.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand Columbus's mission and how the Alliances Manager role fits into it. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in driving joint planning and go-to-market strategies. This shows that you’re aligned with their vision and ready to make an impact.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Think of scenarios where you had to align different teams or navigate challenges in a partnership. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and customer-focused mindset.