SME Partnerships Lead

## Join Us At Vodafone, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity for our customers – we’re shaping the future for everyone who joins our team. When you work with us, you’re part of a global mission to connect people, solve complex challenges, and create a sustainable and more inclusive world. If you want to grow your career whilst finding the perfect balance between work and life, Vodafone offers the opportunities to help you belong and make a real impact. ## What you’ll do As part of Vodafone Business’s strategic ambition to become the SME Champion, this role plays a pivotal part in enabling the success of small and medium enterprises through value-driven partnerships, ecosystem engagement, and targeted programs. The SME Ecosystem & Partnerships Lead is responsible for designing and executing initiatives that position Vodafone Business as a trusted growth partner for SMEs. This includes leading the development of strategic alliances, managing partner integrations, launching new SME-focused initiatives, and building a strong support network for startups. ## Job Profile SME Partnerships & Ecosystem Development * Identify, evaluate, acquire, and manage strategic partners that complement Vodafone’s SME offerings (e.g., digital solutions, fintech, logistics, e-commerce). * Develop and manage the Engez and broader SME verticals partner ecosystem. * Design partnership frameworks and value propositions that drive mutual growth. Partner Integration & Experience * Lead the end-to-end integration process with partners to ensure a seamless and differentiated customer experience. * Collaborate with internal product, technology, and commercial teams to ensure efficient onboarding and operational execution. * Implement scalable processes and governance models to manage partnerships effectively. SME Alliance Leadership * Design and launch the Vodafone Business SME Alliance, a strategic initiative to create a collaborative platform for SMEs, startups, and ecosystem players. * Define selection criteria and onboarding processes for partners and startups. * Own ongoing engagement strategy including events, thought leadership, co-marketing campaigns, and innovation challenges. * Develop KPIs and performance dashboards to track alliance impact and partner performance. Startups Support Program * Launch and manage the Vodafone Business Startups Support Program, focused on accelerating growth for early-stage businesses. * Partner with incubators, accelerators, and VCs to identify high-potential startups. * Curate a suite of Vodafone and partner services (connectivity, cloud, advisory, marketing support) tailored to startup needs. ## Comptencies and Qualifications • Deep expertise in strategic partnerships and ecosystem building to create differentiated SME propositions and unlock new growth opportunities through external alliances. • Strong commercial and operational acumen in partner management, with experience designing partnership frameworks, governance models, and scalable onboarding processes that deliver mutual value. • Proven ability to lead end-to-end partner integration, collaborating across product, technology, sales, and operations to ensure seamless execution and customer experience. • Strong knowledge of the SME, startup, and innovation ecosystem, including incubators, accelerators, venture capital networks, and the evolving needs of early-stage and growth businesses. • Track record in developing high-impact SME programs and engagement platforms, including alliances, startup support initiatives, co-marketing campaigns, and performance dashboards to measure business and brand impact. ## Must have technical / professional qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field, with postgraduate qualifications considered a plus. • 7-9 years of experience in B2B marketing, partnerships, ecosystem development, GTM, preferably within telecom, ICT, or technology-led...