At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strategic partnerships in the cyber insurance ecosystem to drive mutual value and customer impact.
- Company: Join Sophos, a leading cybersecurity firm protecting 600,000 organisations globally.
- Benefits: Remote-first work model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cybersecurity while collaborating with top industry partners.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years in alliance management or business development within cybersecurity or insurance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 125000 £ per year.
About Us
Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI‑driven platform and expert‑led services. Sophos meets organizations wherever they are in their security maturity and grows with them to defeat cyberattacks. Its solutions combine machine learning, automation, and real‑time threat intelligence with frontline human expertise from Sophos X‑Ops to deliver advanced, 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response. Sophos offers industry‑leading managed detection and response (MDR) alongside a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity technologies— including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next‑gen SIEM. Together with expert advisory services, these capabilities help organizations proactively reduce risk and respond faster, with the visibility and scalability needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. Sophos goes to market with a global partner ecosystem, including Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), resellers and distributors, marketplace integrations, and cyber risk partners, giving organizations the flexibility to choose trusted relationships when securing their business. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K.
Role Summary
We’re seeking an Alliance Partnership Manager to support the growth and execution of Sophos’ cyber insurance ecosystem strategy. Reporting to the General Manager, Cyber Insurance Program, this role is focused on building and nurturing strategic relationships with cyber insurers, brokers, breach counsel, and ecosystem partners to drive mutual value, visibility, and customer impact. This is a high‑visibility role with both strategic and tactical responsibilities. You’ll partner cross‑functionally across Sales, Product, Marketing, and Customer Success to drive partner engagement, coordinate joint initiatives, and accelerate our presence across insurance panels and referral networks. The ideal candidate brings experience in cybersecurity partnerships, a passion for building long‑term relationships, and the ability to navigate across technical, business, and legal environments.
What You Will Do
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with cyber insurers, brokers, and legal partners to drive referrals, visibility, and joint initiatives.
- Serve as the day‑to‑day contact for assigned partners, maintaining operational alignment, field engagement, and shared goals.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and execute go‑to‑market strategies aligned to the needs of the insurance ecosystem.
- Coordinate with Sales and Marketing to ensure the development and delivery of tailored content, campaigns, and partner‑specific messaging.
- Monitor performance KPIs including referral volume, conversion rates, and panel activity; surface insights to improve partner engagement.
- Support Sophos’ continued inclusion on cyber insurer panels by ensuring consistent execution and operational excellence.
- Work cross‑functionally to align advisory and incident response services with ecosystem needs and enable seamless delivery.
- Assist in capturing and sharing partner feedback with internal teams to influence roadmap priorities and service improvements.
- Maintain CRM hygiene and documentation to accurately reflect partner relationships and opportunity pipelines.
- Represent Sophos at industry events and partner meetings, enhancing our brand presence and deepening strategic relationships.
What You Will Bring
- 3–5+ years of experience in alliance management, channel sales, business development, or partner marketing within cybersecurity, insurance, or legal industries.
- Familiarity with the cyber insurance ecosystem, including common panel structures, breach response workflows, and decision‑makers.
- Understanding of cybersecurity services such as MDR, IR, XDR, threat intelligence, and advisory consulting.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with experience managing complex partner dynamics and driving joint outcomes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey value propositions to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Self‑starter with the ability to operate in a fast‑paced, matrixed, and global organization.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office, and collaboration tools such as Teams or Zoom.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
- Bonus: Experience working with insurance brokers or managing relationships with cyber insurers.
Ready to Join Us?
At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don’t check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don’t let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply.
What’s Great About Sophos?
- Sophos operates a remote‑first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach.
- While we are a remote first organization, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the jurisdiction where the position is posted, without requiring employer sponsorship.
- Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit.
- Employee‑led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy.
- Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities.
- Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
- Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp.
- Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge.
- Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing.
Our Commitment To You
We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team. All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief, color, age, military veteran status, disability, pregnancy, maternity or sexual orientation. We want to give you every opportunity to show us your best self, so if there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.
Data Protection
If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos. If you would like Sophos to delete or update your details at any time, please follow the steps set out in the Privacy Policy describing your individual rights. For more information on Sophos’ data protection practices, please consult our Privacy Policy.
Alliance Partnership Manager (Cyber Insurance) in Oxford employer: Sophos Group
At Sophos, we pride ourselves on being a remote-first employer that champions innovation and collaboration within a vibrant team culture. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our diverse initiatives, including global fitness competitions, wellbeing days, and community support through charity events. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a focus on inclusivity, joining Sophos means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Alliance Partnership Manager (Cyber Insurance) in Oxford
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Sophos Group, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Sophos Group
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Sophos Group. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Alliance Partnership Manager (Cyber Insurance) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Sophos Group insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Sophos Group that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sophos Group
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Sophos Group to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Sophos Group.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.