At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive partner-led growth and scale strategic partnerships across EMEA and APAC.
- Company: Join Zendesk, a leader in AI-driven customer service solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on personal growth and global diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming customer experiences with innovative AI solutions.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in partner sales or alliance management, with strong SaaS experience.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Job Description
Join us at Zendesk, where we're on a mission to power exceptional service for every person on the planet.
We're accelerating that ambition by building products rooted in AI, automation, and intelligent customer experiences, because behind every interaction lies an opportunity to make a human connection.
We’re seeking a Senior Partner Sales Executive to drive partner-led growth across EMEA and APAC, with a focus on Contact Center as a Service (CCaa S).
In this role, you’ll recruit and scale strategic partners, execute regional partner GTM motions, and enable partners to deliver AI-enabled Zendesk contact center solutions that improve customer experience and drive predictable partner-sourced revenue.
- What you’ll be doing
- Execute the partner-sourced and partner-influenced revenue plan for CCaa S across EMEA and APAC; convert market insight into repeatable partner GTM motions.
- Recruit, onboard, and scale a portfolio of CCaa S partners, including SIs, resellers, consultancies, BPOs/MSPs, and technology alliances.
- Build partner capabilities across contact center transformation, voice, AI, automation, and customer experience solutions.
- Lead co-sell motions and mid-to-large commercial CCaa S opportunities with partners, coordinating with Zendesk account teams and partner sellers to increase win rates and deal velocity.
- Enable partners to commercialize Zendesk CCaa S and AI solutions by developing repeatable onboarding, enablement, packaged offerings, and service-led plays that shorten time to revenue.
- Communicate Zendesk’s AI and CCaa S strategy to partners and customers, translating product capabilities into clear use cases and commercial opportunities.
- Maintain partner pipeline health, forecast accuracy, and regular performance reviews across EMEA and APAC; escalate opportunities and risks through appropriate internal cadences.
- Collaborate with regional Sales, Marketing, Product, Solutions Consulting, and Customer Success teams to execute partner campaigns and improve the partner experience.
- Share regional and partner feedback with Product and Engineering to help shape Zendesk’s CCaa S and AI roadmap.
What you bring to the role
- 8+ years in partner/channel sales, alliance management, or partner GTM roles in Saa S/software, with quota-carrying experience.
- Demonstrated success recruiting and growing partners and driving partner-influenced revenue across EMEA and/or APAC.
- Experience managing commercial negotiations and leading partner-led CCaa S, contact center, customer experience, or related Saa S opportunities from mid-market through enterprise.
- Strong understanding of the contact center ecosystem, including SIs, resellers, BPOs/MSPs, technology alliances, and cloud or communications providers.
- AI fluency: able to explain Zendesk’s AI value proposition and translate AI capabilities into partner-friendly use cases and monetization approaches.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior partner, customer, and internal stakeholders.
- Comfortable working across multiple countries, cultures, and time zones in a modern Saa S ecosystem.
- Operational focus and attention to pipeline metrics, forecasting, partner performance, and repeatable onboarding processes.
- Basic Qualifications
- 8+ years in partner/channel sales, alliance management, or partner GTM roles within Saa S/software, with quota-carrying experience.
- Demonstrable experience recruiting and scaling partners and driving partner-influenced revenue across a defined EMEA and/or APAC market.
- Experience closing or influencing partner-led CCaa S, contact center, customer experience, or related Saa S deals.
- Experience influencing cross-functional internal teams and coordinating complex regional partner motions.
- Practical AI fluency — able to articulate AI strategy, concrete use cases, and partner monetization opportunities.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating across EMEA and APAC markets, with familiarity with regional partner landscapes and routes to market.
- Experience with CCaa S, contact center transformation, customer experience, CRM, voice, or workforce engagement solutions.
- Prior experience packaging partner-ready offerings, implementation services, or service-led plays that accelerate partner sales.
- Experience with co-funded partner marketing programs and measuring partner ROI.
- Exposure to commercializing AI/ML capabilities through partners; generative AI experience is a plus.
- Fluency in one or more additional EMEA or APAC languages is a plus.
- The intelligent heart of customer experience
Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.
Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience.
Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.
As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.
Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace.
Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.
If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here .
Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk. com with your specific accommodation request.
Principal Partner Sales Executive employer: Zendesk
Zendesk is an exceptional employer that champions a fulfilling and inclusive work environment, offering a hybrid model that balances remote flexibility with in-person collaboration. As the RVP of Sales Engineering, you will lead a talented team while having the autonomy to shape technical strategies that influence customer experiences for some of the world's largest brands. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Zendesk fosters employee growth through mentorship and leadership opportunities, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in the dynamic field of AI-powered customer experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Partner Sales Executive
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Principal Partner Sales Executive at Zendesk, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Zendesk. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Principal Partner Sales Executive. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Partner Sales Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Zendesk:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zendesk. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zendesk
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Zendesk that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Zendesk that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Zendesk’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
