Strategic Partnerships Director

As the primary relationship owner, the Strategic Partnerships Director is an individual contributor accountable for defining and managing partner relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and overseeing the sales process for renewals and upsells while ensuring overall partner retention. A key aspect of success in this role is collaborating with the Partnership Success Lead (PSL) to develop and guide the strategic account plan. Effective coordination with partners, the Partnership Success Team (PST), and other internal support functions are essential for executing strategic plans, driving growth initiatives, and fulfilling contractual commitments. Operating within an agile and matrixed organization, this role includes a dotted-line reporting structure to a Partnership Success Leader, who provides strategic direction, sets priorities, and fosters strong collaboration to execute partner success strategies. Success in this position depends on strong communication skills and the ability to influence and drive outcomes at all levels, both internally and externally.

Allianz Partners works with a wide range of travel industry leaders including airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), travel agencies, and hospitality providers. Our partners include some of the most recognized names in travel and tourism, and we collaborate closely with them to enhance their customer experience and deliver value-added travel protection solutions. These relationships are long-term and strategic in nature, requiring a deep understanding of each partner’s business model, customer base, and goals.

This position follows a hybrid schedule working 2 days in-office at our Richmond, VA location.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with partners.
• Promote and enhance visibility into the value Allianz delivers to partners.
• Create and drive strategic short- and long-term roadmaps for key business partners, focusing on growth, profitability, partner value, and retention.
• In partnership with the PSL, drive the profitability of all partners within the assigned portfolio.
• Serve as the primary contact and advocate for partners, managing relationships at both senior and mid-levels.
• Lead new partner implementations to ensure successful, timely, and effective onboarding.
• Continuously work to identify and pursue new business opportunities with existing partners to foster growth and expansion.
• Collaborate with the PSL to lead a cross-functional team, increasing efficiency and maximizing team success.
• Mentor and develop team members, supporting their professional growth and potential.
• Consult with analysts and business teams to forecast revenue for existing partners.
• Partner with internal departments to evaluate customer processes and recommend improvements to enhance partner and customer experiences.
• Lead partner business reviews, including setting objectives, managing logistics, and preparing presentations and materials for key meetings, such as strategic roadmaps and renewal discussions.
• Lead negotiations, contract renewals, and manage the Client Parameters Document (CPD) process to ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and payments are triggered.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape and the travel market.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you will bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of business experience managing significant partner relationships, with at least five (5) years of experience in partner management.
• Experience in travel insurance, the travel industry, and digital marketing is a strong asset.
• Ability to think strategically with a forward-looking perspective spanning 1-3 years.
• Strong understanding of business operations, sales growth, and profitability drivers.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong senior-level relationships, influence decision-making, and drive business outcomes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire and influence internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Travel Requirements:

Position is routinely expected to travel 20% of time.

What we offer

Our employees play an integral part in our success as a business. We appreciate that each of our employees are unique and have unique needs, ambitions and we enjoy being a part of their journey.

We are there to empower and encourage you with your personal and professional development ensuring that you take control by offering a large variety of courses and targeted development programs. All that in a global environment where international mobility and career progression are encouraged. Caring for your health and wellbeing is key priority for us. This is why we build Work Well programs to providing you with peace of mind and give the flexibility in planning and arranging for a better work-life balance.