RVP, Partner Sales

RVP, Partner Sales

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Zendesk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partner sales strategy across EMEA, driving revenue growth and exceptional customer outcomes.
  • Company: Join Zendesk, a dynamic company focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while growing your career in a supportive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by building a thriving partner ecosystem in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in channel programs with strong leadership and relationship management skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on RVP of Partner Sales for EMEA to build a scalable, incremental indirect business. Reporting to the Global SVP of Partner Sales, you will lead the regional ecosystem to drive lead generation, revenue growth (new and expansion), and exceptional customer outcomes. As a critical partner to the sales leadership team, you will own the EMEA partner strategy and be directly accountable for exceeding revenue targets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Design and execute a vision for a high-growth partner ecosystem across EMEA.
  • Revenue Ownership: Drive all new and expansion partner-led revenue initiatives to meet and exceed targets.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align with sales leadership to integrate partner motions into broader market expansion goals.
  • Market Expansion: Build a diverse network of partners that enhances service delivery and customer value.
  • Operational Excellence: Serve as a "hands-on" leader, actively participating in high-impact deals and partner development.

What You’ll Do

As the RVP of Partner Sales (EMEA), you will lead Zendesk’s indirect sales strategy, fostering a profitable ecosystem that scales across SMB, Commercial, and Enterprise segments.

Strategy & Revenue Leadership

  • Drive Regional Growth: Direct Zendesk’s EMEA sales activities through a robust partner ecosystem, consistently meeting partner-sourced revenue and booking targets.
  • Strategic Planning: Develop and execute long-term sales plans, establishing clear goals, quotas, and performance tracking mechanisms.
  • Predictable Execution: Manage rigorous weekly forecasting and maintain healthy pipeline creation and coverage metrics.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Sales and GTM leadership to unify execution and integrate partner motions into the broader regional strategy.

Ecosystem & Relationship Management

  • Optimize the Portfolio: Onboard and mature relationships across a diverse range of partners, including Distributors, Resellers, SIs, MSPs, and BPOs.
  • Recruit & Enable: Identify and activate new partners to generate incremental pipeline and accelerate their time-to-revenue.
  • Leverage Expertise: Collaborate with partners to capitalize on their industry domain expertise and regional specialization.
  • Cultivate Experience: Create a differentiated, high-value partner experience that remains deeply aligned with Zendesk’s core values.

Team Leadership

  • Build World-Class Teams: Lead regional hiring, territory mapping, and organizational design to ensure optimal coverage.
  • Develop Talent: Foster a culture of high performance through active coaching, mentorship, and continuous training.

What You Bring To The Role

Pivotal Experience

  • Strategic & Agile Leadership: You bring the best practices of large-scale organizations but thrive in fast-moving, agile environments. You are a natural innovator who can lead change and navigate ambiguity to 'make it happen.'
  • People Development: A proven track record of managing high-performance teams, fostering a culture of loyalty and trust, and energizing cross-functional groups to achieve collective goals.
  • Relationship Management: The ability to interface effectively at all levels, building strong internal and external partnerships in a team-oriented environment.

Leadership Capabilities

  • Results-Oriented Drive: A 'whatever it takes' attitude paired with a tireless work ethic. You have the emotional intelligence to know when to push for results and when to pivot strategies.
  • Visionary Execution: Demonstrated success in setting the strategy for a maturing partner ecosystem while staying aligned with global company objectives.
  • Hands-on Mentality: You are positive, energetic, and willing to roll up your sleeves to drive successful business outcomes alongside your team.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • EMEA Channel Expertise: 10+ years of commercial experience building and scaling channel programs across the EMEA region.
  • Ecosystem Mastery: Significant experience driving profit and sales through a diverse mix of partners, including SIs, MSPs, BPOs, Distributors, and Resellers.
  • Enterprise Fluency: A proven track record of managing large enterprise accounts and delivering consistent indirect sales results.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong business planning and forecasting skills with a deep understanding of partner financials and profitability models.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build consensus, drive alignment with sales leaders, and instil a growth mindset within the partner community.

Logistics

  • Purposeful Travel: Occasional travel is required, always with a clear purpose and objective.

Equal-Opportunity Employer

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 under 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.

RVP, Partner Sales employer: Zendesk

At Zendesk, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As the RVP of Partner Sales for EMEA, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-growth partner ecosystem while benefiting from our commitment to employee development, collaboration, and innovation. With a focus on strategic leadership and operational excellence, Zendesk offers a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success and your professional growth.

Zendesk

Contact Details:

Zendesk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land RVP, Partner Sales

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 RVP, Partner Sales 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 RVP, Partner Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace RVP, Partner Sales

Strategic Leadership
Revenue Ownership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Market Expansion
Operational Excellence
Ecosystem & Relationship Management
Team Leadership

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.