Partner Business Manager in Manchester

The Partner Business Manager will be responsible for growing Sterling’s UK partner ecosystem, developing and managing key partner and vendor accounts, and building scalable engagement models that support UK revenue growth. As the UK business continues to expand, this role will establish strong local partner relationships while working closely with Sterling’s US partner team to ensure global alignment, shared best practice, and consistent execution across strategic alliances.

Required Technical Skills: The Partner Business Manager should be confident using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and should have experience using Salesforce or a comparable CRM platform. Experience working with technology vendors, partner programmes, deal registration, pipeline reporting, and sales enablement tools is preferred.

Required Experience and Education: At least 2 years of experience in sales, partner management, account management, alliances, or business development is required. Experience building relationships with technology vendors, resellers, distributors, or strategic partners is preferred. A degree or equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Job Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Commercially focused with the ability to identify and develop partner-led growth opportunities
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable working independently in a developing market while collaborating with global teams
• Self-motivated, proactive, and confident representing Sterling in partner and customer-facing settings
• Able to work effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Primary Managed Partner Accounts:

• Strategic UK technology vendors and alliance partners
• Key OEM, distributor, and channel relationships
• Existing global partner accounts requiring UK alignment
• Emerging partner relationships that support UK market growth

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and grow Sterling’s UK partner ecosystem, identifying priority partners and building engagement plans that support revenue growth
• Own and manage day-to-day relationships with assigned partner and vendor accounts
• Establish regular partner cadence calls, business reviews, and joint planning sessions
• Work with the UK sales team to identify partner-led opportunities, support pipeline development, and resolve sales opportunity conflicts
• Coordinate with Sterling’s US partner team to align global partner strategy, share best practice, and ensure consistent execution across markets
• Manage partner programme requirements, deal registrations, certifications, reporting, and related administrative processes
• Track partner performance, pipeline contribution, marketing development funds, rebates, and other programme benefits where applicable
• Support UK partner marketing, enablement activity, and internal sales communications
• Represent Sterling professionally with partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders in the UK and globally
• Help host, plan, and execute Sterling events in the UK, both internally and with partners, and attend partner events to support networking, relationship building, and market engagement
• UK and international business travel may be required