Product Strategist (Partnerships)

The Product Strategist for Partnerships at Windsurf is responsible for collaborating with various teams like engineering, marketing, and sales to advance strategic initiatives that promote partner success. Key responsibilities include developing enablement material, creating certification programs, and fostering joint incentives at the product level. This role is critical for scaling Windsurf's enterprise business and improving the partner experience.

To be considered for the Product Strategist role at Windsurf, candidates should have experience as a technical founder or in a similar high-impact role within a dynamic environment. Strong communication skills, the ability to influence collaborators, and a history in software development are crucial. Familiarity with channel and partner relationships, along with experience in sales and marketing, will enhance a candidate's profile.

The Product Strategist for Partnerships at Windsurf plays a vital role in enhancing revenue through strategic initiatives aimed at helping partners sell and support Windsurf's products. By developing training materials, education programs, and collaborative strategies, the Product Strategist ensures that partners are equipped to succeed, which in turn drives adoption and sales for the company.

Key skills for a successful Product Strategist for Partnerships at Windsurf include exceptional communication and presentation abilities, strong collaboration skills, and the capacity to navigate ambiguity. A background in software development and experience with partner channels are additional assets that will help a candidate thrive in this role.

Windsurf fosters an inclusive and collaborative work culture, valuing high agency and low ego among team members. The environment encourages innovation and hands-on engagement across teams, which is essential for driving outcomes. As a Product Strategist for Partnerships, individuals can expect to work closely with diverse departments to collaborate on best practices and share ideas, all while making a meaningful impact on the company and its partners.

In approaching the construction of a partnership program as a Product Strategist, I would start by identifying key partner needs and aligning them with our product offerings. Then, I would create tailored enablement materials and certification programs to empower partners effectively. Collaboration and open communication with all stakeholders would be vital to ensure ongoing support and feedback.

I have extensive experience working across multiple teams, such as engineering, marketing, and finance. In my previous roles, I actively facilitated workshops and meetings to align objectives and ensure each department's input was considered in key decisions. This approach fosters collaboration and leads to better product outcomes.

To measure the success of partner programs, I believe in establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with our strategic goals. This can include metrics such as partner sales growth, adoption rates of our products, and the satisfaction levels reported by partners. Regularly reviewing these metrics allows for adjustments and continuous improvement.

In a past role, I successfully influenced stakeholders by presenting well-researched data and customer feedback that highlighted the need for a new feature. I addressed their concerns transparently and collaborated on solutions that benefited everyone. Building trust and understanding their perspectives were key in getting their buy-in.

I would utilize a mix of training sessions, interactive webinars, and comprehensive documentation to educate our partners about Windsurf’s products. By tailoring educational material to specific partner needs and ensuring accessibility, I can help partners gain confidence in promoting and supporting our offerings.

In a fast-paced environment, I use prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to differentiate between high-urgency and high-importance tasks. Maintaining open communication with my team helps me stay aligned on priorities and adjust as new challenges arise, ensuring that we remain focused on our strategic goals.

My experience with developing go-to-market strategies involves thorough market research and analyzing customer insights. I work collaboratively with marketing and sales teams to design campaigns that resonate with our target audience and generate leads. Flexibility in these strategies allows us to adapt to market feedback quickly.

Feedback is essential in my approach as it offers insights on what is working and what isn’t. I actively gather feedback from partners and internal teams to iterate on our programs and initiatives. This collaborative mindset helps refine our strategies and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Handling disagreements among team members involves facilitating open communication and understanding each perspective. I encourage constructive discussions to uncover the root cause of the disagreement and aim to find common ground. Fostering an atmosphere of respect leads to better collaboration and resolution.

I envision the future of AI-powered partnerships being one that leverages data and real-time analytics to create more personalized and efficient collaborations. This shift will require innovative approaches to enhance partner success and adapt to changing customer demands, which is something I am excited to contribute to within my role.