At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by recruiting and activating strategic MSSP partnerships across EMEA.
- Company: Join Sophos, a leading cybersecurity firm protecting 600,000 organisations globally.
- Benefits: Remote-first work model, diverse culture, wellbeing initiatives, and community support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel opportunities and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while building valuable partnerships.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in cybersecurity sales, strong partner development skills, and executive relationship experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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
Sophos is seeking an experienced Senior MSSP Partner Development Manager to drive growth across the EMEA region through recruitment, activation, and expansion of strategic Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) partnerships. This quota-carrying individual contributor role is primarily focused on building the next generation of Sophos service-provider partnerships across EMEA. The successful candidate will identify, recruit, onboard, and activate new MSSP relationships while developing a select portfolio of existing strategic partners. Success in this role will be measured through partner recruitment, partner-generated pipeline, revenue growth, and expansion of Sophos' market presence across key EMEA markets.
This role is intended to accelerate MSSP ecosystem expansion across EMEA while increasing partner-sourced revenue and strengthening Sophos' position within the managed security services market. Location preference is UK-based, though candidates located elsewhere in EMEA with the ability to travel extensively will be considered.
What You Will Do
- Identify, recruit, onboard, and activate net-new MSSP partners across EMEA. Having existing relationships with regional MSSPs is a huge plus.
- Develop and execute territory recruitment plans focused on high-potential MSSPs, cybersecurity service providers, and strategic alliances.
- Build executive-level relationships within prospective partner organisations, including C-level executives, VPs, and senior leadership.
- Create and execute joint business plans designed to generate measurable pipeline and revenue growth.
- Drive MSP-to-MSSP transformation initiatives by helping partners build and expand managed security services offerings powered by Sophos.
- Establish new routes to market through strategic partner recruitment and ecosystem expansion.
- Work closely with regional sales, channel, marketing, services, and technical teams to accelerate partner success and revenue generation.
- Activate newly recruited partners and reduce time-to-revenue through focused enablement and business planning.
- Manage and grow a targeted portfolio of strategic MSSP partners.
- Conduct executive business reviews and strategic planning sessions with partner leadership teams.
- Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and opportunity tracking.
- Achieve recruitment, pipeline, and revenue objectives aligned to territory goals.
What You Will Bring
- 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity channel sales, partner development, alliances, MSSP or strategic partnership roles.
- Demonstrated success recruiting and developing net-new strategic partners.
- Proven experience carrying and exceeding revenue quotas.
- Strong understanding of MSSP business models, managed security services, MDR, XDR, SIEM, SOC, SASE, Endpoint, and broader cybersecurity solutions.
- Experience developing executive relationships and influencing senior decision-makers.
- Demonstrated ability to create and execute strategic business plans.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Experience working across multiple countries and cultures within EMEA.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout the region.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience recruiting MSSPs, systems integrators, or strategic service providers.
- Experience helping partners launch or expand managed security service offerings.
- Existing relationships within the EMEA MSSP, and cybersecurity services community.
- Experience working within a cybersecurity vendor organisation.
- Experience driving partner-led adoption of MDR, XDR, Managed SOC, cloud security, and security operations solutions.
- Experience building indirect routes-to-market and partner ecosystems from the ground up.
How Success Will Be Measured
- Net-new MSSP partner recruitment.
- Partner-generated pipeline growth.
- Revenue attainment against quota.
- MSP-to-MSSP partner conversions.
- Activation and productivity of newly recruited partners.
- Expansion of strategic existing partner relationships.
- Increased market coverage across priority EMEA regions.
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.
Senior MSSP Partner Development Manager, EMEA employer: Sophos Group
At Sophos, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As an EMEA North Payroll Specialist, you will benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to work in a fast-paced environment that values diversity and excellence. Our commitment to your professional development and well-being makes Sophos a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior MSSP Partner Development Manager, EMEA
✨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 Senior MSSP Partner Development Manager, EMEA
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.
