Head of Strategic Partnerships

The Head of Strategic Partnerships at AfterShip is responsible for developing and executing the global partnerships strategy, managing high-value deals with tech platforms and integrators, leading a distributed partnerships team, and collaborating cross-functionally with teams including Product, Marketing, and Sales. The role involves both strategic oversight and hands-on execution to ensure the success of partnership initiatives.

To be considered for the Head of Strategic Partnerships role at AfterShip, candidates should possess a minimum of 7 years of experience in partnership management or business development, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity. A deep understanding of the eCommerce industry, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to drive relationships into revenue are essential qualifications for this position.

Success for the Head of Strategic Partnerships at AfterShip is defined through managed KPIs that track partnership ROI, including sourced revenue, product integration usage, and co-marketing outcomes. The role demands a data-driven approach to evaluate partnership effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Key skills for the Head of Strategic Partnerships at AfterShip include exceptional negotiation and commercial acumen, strong leadership capabilities for mentoring distributed teams, and an ability to influence cross-functionally. A bias for action, experimentation, and a deep understanding of logistics and the eCommerce landscape are also crucial.

AfterShip promotes an inclusive and innovative work culture where collaboration and creativity are prioritized. The Head of Strategic Partnerships will thrive in a remote-first environment that encourages idea exchange, dynamic experimentation, and personal ownership of projects, actualizing the collaborative spirit of AfterShip's diverse team.

When tackling this question, focus on quantifiable outcomes. Detail the partnership's objectives, your role in the development process, the strategies implemented, and how you measured success. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you navigated challenges, illustrating your collaborative approach.

To answer effectively, describe your criteria for evaluating potential partners, such as market reputation, cultural compatibility, shared goals, and the potential for mutual benefit. Use examples of how these evaluations informed your past decisions and led to successful partnerships.

Discuss your approach to communication, setting clear expectations, and fostering inclusivity despite geographic distances. Highlight tools and techniques you use to support collaboration and maintain team morale, ensuring that everyone feels connected and empowered.

Explain the methods you employ to stay current, such as following industry thought leaders, attending conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with relevant publications. Communicate how this ongoing learning benefits your strategic decision-making process.

When answering this, narrate a specific negotiation scenario, illustrating your preparation process, negotiation tactics, and ultimate outcomes. Emphasize your adaptability and willingness to find win-win solutions that benefit the organization and the partner.

Discuss specific metrics like sourced revenue, engagement levels, and implementation rates. Explain why these metrics are relevant and how they directly relate to the company's strategic objectives, demonstrating your data-driven approach to partnerships.

Articulate how your previous experiences and skills align with AfterShip’s mission to enhance eCommerce experiences. Speak to how you can leverage partnerships to create more value for customers and drive business growth.

Provide an example where you faced significant challenges in partnerships or team management. Outline the steps you took to address the issue, the leadership qualities you relied on, and the positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

Offer insights into current industry challenges, such as evolving customer expectations or increased competition. Provide your perspective on how adaptability, creativity, and proactive culture can tackle these challenges effectively.

Talk about your approach to public speaking and representation. Highlight examples of how you’ve successfully promoted past employers, fostering relationships with key industry players and building AfterShip’s brand equity.