Director of Partnerships

As the Strategic Partnerships Account Director at Runa, you'll be responsible for developing and nurturing strategic merchant partnerships across EMEA and APAC. Your role will involve collaborating with various internal teams to ensure that partnership goals align with broader business objectives, identifying new partnership opportunities, and enhancing existing relationships. Furthermore, you will support team members through mentorship, encouraging a culture of collaboration and shared success.

To qualify for the Strategic Partnerships Account Director position at Runa, candidates should have a strong background in managing strategic partnerships and business development within the Fintech or payments industry, particularly with merchant partners. Fluency in German is required. Ideal candidates are skilled in building relationships, fostering teamwork, and negotiating beneficial agreements that align with Runa’s mission.

The Strategic Partnerships Account Director plays a vital role in shaping Runa's partnerships strategy by developing long-lasting relationships with partners and stakeholders. This position contributes to the company’s overarching goals by creating shared value through effective partnerships, aligning these objectives with broader business priorities, and executing partnership strategies that drive mutual success.

At Runa, the Strategic Partnerships Account Director will enjoy numerous benefits including an annual learning and development allowance of €1,000, 25 days of vacation plus public holidays, and Runa Reset Days, which are company-wide days off each quarter. Employees also have the option to work remotely for up to 45 calendar days a year, receive private medical insurance, enhanced parental leave, and participate in the Employee Options pool.

Candidates are excited about the Strategic Partnerships Account Director role at Runa due to the opportunity to build strong relationships with partners across regions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and negotiate partnerships that foster long-term growth. The dynamic work environment, commitment to professional development, and competitive benefits further enhance the appeal of this position.

In answering this question, focus on specific examples of partnerships you've managed in the past, highlighting your role in developing and nurturing those relationships. Discuss the strategies you employed to create mutual value and ensure alignment with business objectives.

When discussing your approach, emphasize the importance of market research, understanding industry trends, and listening to customer needs. Provide examples of successful partnerships you identified and developed, showcasing your proactive networking skills.

Describe your strategies for fostering open communication and collaboration, such as setting regular check-ins, utilizing project management tools, and encouraging teamwork. Highlight any specific achievements that resulted from effective internal partnerships.

In your response, discuss your negotiation style, emphasizing the importance of win-win outcomes and understanding the needs of both parties. Share examples of successful negotiations you've led and the impact of those agreements.

Discuss your conflict resolution skills by providing specific examples of past conflicts you have managed. Emphasize your ability to listen, empathize, and find solutions that prioritize relationship preservation while addressing the underlying issues.

Emphasize the importance of data in measuring partnership success, guiding decision-making, and identifying areas for improvement. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive partnership strategies and outcomes.

Share a detailed case study of a partnership you spearheaded, including the vision behind it, your role in building the relationship, and the positive results achieved. Highlight specific metrics to showcase impact.

Discuss your process for evaluating opportunities based on alignment with business goals, potential ROI, and resource availability. Provide examples of how you've managed competing priorities effectively in previous roles.

Explain your global experience by discussing how you engage with partners across different regions, navigate cultural differences, and adapt strategies to suit local markets. Provide examples of successful partnerships formed internationally.

Share your approach to continuous learning, such as attending industry conferences, following relevant publications, and participating in professional networks. Highlight how staying informed has positively influenced your work.