At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop strategic partnerships with Microsoft to drive business growth.
- Company: Join a global digital consultancy that values collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that promotes diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while shaping your career path.
- 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 Health Cashback 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)
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 involves:
- 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. On-site 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 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 Air-conditioned 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 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. With over 1,500 colleagues across more than 10 countries, we bring global perspectives and local understanding. What unites us is our belief in creating meaningful impact — for our people, our customers, and the journey ahead.
STAY CURIOUS, COLLABORATE, BUILD TRUST, and DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Alliances Manager - Microsoft in Birmingham employer: Columbus
At Columbus, we prioritise our people, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous development. As an Alliances Manager - Microsoft, you'll enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, alongside competitive benefits such as enhanced maternity pay, free training courses, and access to exclusive resources as a Microsoft Gold Partner. Join us to be part of a supportive network that values diversity and empowers you to shape your career while making a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
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 who work at Microsoft or have ties to them. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience managing strategic alliances, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your background aligns with the role of Alliances Manager. Focus on your ability to drive joint planning and co-sell activities, as well as your customer-focused mindset. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect how you can contribute to Columbus's partnership with Microsoft and help us thrive together.
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 Microsoft partnerships and how it aligns with our goals at Columbus. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've driven results in previous roles, especially in managing strategic alliances. This will help us see the impact you could have at Columbus.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value curiosity and collaboration, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for technology and partnership. We’re looking for someone who fits our culture as much as their skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbus
✨Know Your Microsoft Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft partner programmes and co-sell models. Familiarise yourself with Columbus's strategic goals and how they align with Microsoft's offerings. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with current or former employees at Columbus or even Microsoft. This can give you insider insights into the company culture and expectations. Plus, it might help you find common ground during your interview, making it easier to build rapport with your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate how you've managed strategic alliances in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve driven successful partnerships or resolved conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Show Your Curiosity and Commitment
Columbus values curiosity and a commitment to personal development. Be ready to discuss how you stay updated on industry trends and your plans for professional growth. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you've pursued, especially those related to Microsoft technologies.
