Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Business Development - job 2 of 2

The Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Business Development at Axon will lead the development of the enterprise-wide strategy for partnerships, focusing on creating a diverse portfolio of go-to-market alliances. This includes evaluating and executing strategic partnerships that align with our mission and R&D initiatives, negotiating commercial terms, and ensuring that these alliances integrate smoothly into our product development processes.

Candidates for the Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Business Development position at Axon should possess a B.A. or B.S. degree in business, technology, or a related field, with an MBA being a plus. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or product management within the technology sector is essential, along with strong negotiation and leadership skills.

In this role, the Senior Director of Strategic Alliances and Business Development is not only responsible for developing partnerships but also for mentoring a high-impact team of professionals. This position emphasizes fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and performance, while contributing to a 'center of excellence' for strategic alliances within the company.

Axon is committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We understand that candidates may not meet every requirement outlined in the job description, and we actively encourage applications from individuals who are excited about our mission, regardless of their alignment with all listed qualifications. We value diverse perspectives as they play a crucial role in fostering innovation and equity.

At Axon, the total compensation for the Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Business Development includes base pay, bonuses, and stock awards. The starting base pay ranges from USD 200,775 to USD 321,240, depending on geographic location and several other factors. Additionally, we offer a wide range of benefits, including generous parental leave, health plans, and professional development options.

When developing strategic alliances in a technology environment, I focus on comprehensively understanding both our organization's needs and the potential partner's capabilities. This includes conducting market analysis, assessing compatibility with our mission and objectives, and ensuring alignment within our product development cycles to drive mutual value.

In my previous roles, I have successfully negotiated high-stakes commercial terms by collaborating with legal, finance, and executive teams. I emphasize building mutual benefits into agreements to facilitate long-term relationships, while also ensuring our strategic interests are safeguarded.

I utilize a mix of qualitative and quantitative KPIs to evaluate the success of strategic partnerships, including revenue growth from the partnership, customer acquisition rates, and the impact on product innovation cycles. Regular assessments and feedback loops with stakeholders are also critical to continuously improve partnership outcomes.

Ensuring that partnerships are integrated into product lifecycle management involves close collaboration with product and engineering teams. I initiate joint workshops to align partnership objectives with our development roadmap and ensure that we continuously iterate based on partnership feedback.

Balancing immediate partnership needs with long-term strategic goals requires a critical eye on both the short-term benefits and how they contribute to our long-term vision. I prioritize partnerships that not only solve current challenges but also align with our overarching goals, ensuring that every step is in service of our strategic objectives.

To foster a strong team culture, I promote open communication, encourage diverse perspectives, and create opportunities for team members to collaborate on innovative projects. Regular team-building activities and shared success celebrations also help cultivate a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

One significant challenge was integrating a strategic partner whose internal timelines were misaligned with our product launch. To overcome this, I facilitated transparent communication between our teams, adjusted expectations, and created a phased integration plan that aligned our mutual goals, ultimately resulting in a successful launch.

I stay updated on industry trends by engaging with thought leaders, attending relevant conferences, and utilizing market research reports. I also subscribe to key publications in public safety technology to understand emerging technologies and potential opportunities for partnership development.

My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in providing clear objectives while allowing my team the autonomy to explore innovative solutions. I prioritize mentorship and professional growth, creating an environment where every team member can contribute their unique strengths.

Data analysis plays a critical role in my decision-making process. I assess market data, partnership performance metrics, and industry trends to inform strategy and optimize partnerships. This data-driven approach ensures I make informed decisions that align with both short-term and long-term goals.