Strategic Partnership Development Senior Manager in Reading

WELCOME TO SITA

At SITA, we keep airports moving, airlines flying smoothly, and borders open. Our technology and communication innovations power the success of the global air travel industry. You’ll find us in 95% of international airports, working closely with over 2,500 transportation and government clients. Each partnership brings unique challenges, and we thrive on delivering fresh solutions and cutting-edge tech to keep operations running like clockwork. We don’t just move the world forward—we’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work by 79% of our employees and certified in most of our growing locations. Here, we feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow.

Are you ready to love your job? The adventure begins right here, with you, at SITA.

About You

You are a strategic thinker with a strong ability to operate independently and drive complex initiatives forward. You bring a structured approach to innovation, with the ability to identify and build new partnership models that deliver measurable business impact. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing senior stakeholders, and translating ideas into executable strategies. Your experience enables you to define joint value propositions, develop commercial frameworks, and unlock synergies across the Air Transport IT ecosystem. You are proactive, analytical, and focused on outcomes.

About The Role & The Team

As Strategic Partnership Development Senior Manager, you will lead the development of new partnership models that support SITA’s evolving business strategy. This includes identifying strategic opportunities, engaging with external partners such as system integrators, and co-creating joint offerings that address industry challenges—such as an IT outsourcing proposition for airports. You will be responsible for shaping value propositions, structuring commercial arrangements, and working cross-functionally to bring new solutions to market. The role requires a high level of autonomy, strategic insight, and the ability to influence across internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Do

• Strategic Partnership Leadership
  • Develop and execute comprehensive partnership strategies that drive mutual value and support SITA’s growth and innovation agenda.
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partners aligned with SITA’s goals, including those supporting diversity, sustainability, and responsible business practices.
  • Lead negotiations and structure agreements that unlock long-term commercial and strategic value.
• Innovation & Ecosystem Development
  • Continuously propose innovative partnership concepts with a digital and data-driven focus.
  • Identify future-proof pain points in the Air Transport industry and co-create IT-enabled solutions with partners.
  • Design new value propositions and commercial models in collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with internal teams across product, marketing, sales, finance, and legal to ensure strategic alignment and execution.
  • Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Governance & Performance
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of partnerships, adjusting strategies to optimize outcomes.
  • Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management across all partnership engagements.
• External Engagement
  • Represent SITA in external forums, industry events, and partner engagements to build visibility and credibility.
  • Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and C-level executives across partner organizations.

Travel Expectations

10–20% international travel required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, IT Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic partnership development or related roles.
• Ideally with experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, or alike.
• Experience in the Air Transport or travel-related industry.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of Travel & Transport industry operations and challenges.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional negotiation and communication abilities.
• Proven track record of successful partnership development and execution.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions.
• Interest in technology and Air Transport domains.
• Thought leadership and idea generation capabilities.
• Experience engaging with C-level stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across departments.

What We Offer

At SITA, we disrupt the status quo, by empowering our people to pioneer innovations that touch the lives of billions. Bringing together diverse minds from across the globe, we foster a dynamic and positive workplace culture, that values our talented team members for their contributions and dedication. Check out our core benefits, enabling our people across the globe:

• Flex Week: Work from home up to 2 days/week (depending on the needs of your team and your customers)
• Flex Day: Shape your workday to suit your life and your plans.
• Flex-Location: Take up to 30 days a year to work from any location in the world.
• Employee Wellbeing: We’ve got you covered with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available to you and your dependents 24/7, 365 days/year, and Champion Health – a personalized, proactive platform to support diverse wellbeing needs.
• Professional Development: Level up your skills with our training platforms, including LinkedIn Learning!
• Competitive Benefits: Access competitive benefits tailored to the local market and your employment status.

SITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. In support of our Employment Equity Program, women, aboriginal people, members of visible minorities, and/or persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify in the application process.