Partnerships Manager - Startup and VC Ecosystem, EMEA

As a Partnerships Manager - Startup and VC Ecosystem at Airwallex, your primary responsibilities include developing a partnership strategy that aligns with the EMEA business vision, managing relationships with accelerators and VCs, leading the activation of partners, and collaborating with internal teams on various initiatives. You will also represent Airwallex at industry events, establishing your presence within the startup and VC ecosystem.

To excel as a Partnerships Manager at Airwallex, candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of experience in partnerships, strategy, or product roles, preferably in a fast-paced environment like fintech or SaaS. Familiarity with the startup ecosystem, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and manage relationships are crucial for success in this role.

A successful Partnerships Manager at Airwallex should be results-driven, proactive, and commercially-minded. Strong analytical skills to handle data, coupled with relationship-oriented qualities to build trust with partners, are crucial. Excellent communication and presentation skills are also necessary to effectively convey ideas and strategies both internally and during industry engagements.

Airwallex supports its Partnerships Manager by fostering a collaborative environment where team members work closely together across various departments like Commercial, Product, and Legal. The company offers resources for professional growth and encourages participation in industry events, giving managers opportunities to showcase their expertise and enhance their networks.

At Airwallex, the company culture is vibrant and inclusive, valuing innovation and accountability. As a Partnerships Manager, you will find a supportive hybrid work environment, where individuality and diverse perspectives are celebrated, enabling you to thrive both professionally and personally. The focus is on impactful work in a dynamic startup-like atmosphere.

When responding to this question, emphasize your previous roles involving strategic collaborations, partnership management, and any measurable outcomes from your initiatives. Discuss specific examples where you successfully built relationships and activated partnerships that drove growth.

In answering, outline your strategic framework. Talk about conducting market research, identifying potential partners, understanding market needs, defining success metrics, and collaborating with internal teams to align objectives—all of which are essential in entering new markets.

Highlight your networking skills, personalized communication strategies, and relationship-building capabilities. You can mention how you tailor your approach based on each partner's objectives and how you utilize your existing network to create meaningful connections.

When answering this question, choose a specific example where you faced an obstacle, such as miscommunication or misalignment. Discuss the steps you took to address the issue, what strategies you implemented, and how the resolution positively impacted the partnership.

Define the key metrics you track to gauge partnership success, such as revenue generated, user growth, or strategic alignment. Make sure to mention why these metrics are important and how data-driven insights help you refine partnership strategies.

Emphasize the importance of clear and open communication in building trust and avoiding misunderstandings. Discuss how you establish regular check-ins and feedback loops to maintain alignment and adapt strategies as needed.

Mention how you read industry publications, attend relevant events, and network with industry peers to stay informed about trends. Sharing specific sources or communities you engage with can demonstrate your commitment to continual learning.

Provide a detailed example showcasing a partnership activation project where you defined objectives, collaborated with teams, and achieved positive results. Highlight any creative approaches and collaborative efforts that made the activation successful.

Discuss qualities like being results-driven, proactive, having strong interpersonal skills, and exhibiting strategic thinking. Explain why these qualities matter and how they contribute to forging strong partnerships that drive business growth.

Share your passion for innovation, collaboration, and the impact of technology on businesses and consumers. Relate it back to how partnerships facilitate remarkable advancements and drive growth in the tech ecosystem.