π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Partner Account Director - Saudi Arabia
πΉ Company: Salesforce
πΉ Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (with focus on Saudi Arabia)
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
πΉ Category: Sales
πΉ Date Posted: April 11, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 8+ years
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships in the Middle East, focusing on Saudi Arabia.
- Developing and executing joint go-to-market strategies with top-tier consulting partners.
- Managing partner relationships and ensuring customer success through partner success.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver customer implementations and incremental revenue.
- Identifying whitespace in the territory and recruiting new consulting partners.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong relationship-building skills, and a proven track record in driving revenue through partnerships in the technology industry.
π Key Responsibilities
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Define and execute joint short and long-term business goals and go-to-market plans with top-tier partners in the Middle East.
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Develop and execute regional pipeline and revenue tied to wider partner strategies and initiatives.
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Work with partners, account executives, marketing teams, and management to provide alignment and clarity for customer implementations and incremental revenue.
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Provide partner management to both existing and new SI partners to ensure they develop sales, pre-sales, and delivery capabilities in line with Salesforce's strategy.
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Identify whitespace in the territory and recruit consulting partners with industry, product, or market segment expertise to round out the partner ecosystem.
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Lead qualification for new consulting partner leads and be responsible for the onboarding of new partners into the program.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience:
- 8+ years of experience managing strategic partner relationships in the technology industry.
- Experience in the KSA region is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to drive significant new software revenue through partnerships.
- Proven experience in establishing new partnerships, negotiating, and managing contracts.
- History of successfully developing and leading multiple strategic partnerships.
Required Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and executive-level relationship-building skills.
- Goal-oriented with an entrepreneurial self-starter drive.
- Innate comfort and drive to achieve sales-focused metrics.
- Strong time management and prioritization skills, managing multiple competing deadlines and objectives.
- Partner development experience (all types, including Referral, Reseller, Services Implementation, OEM).
- Success in establishing joint go-to-market plans and driving co-sell activities with partners.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Salesforce products and ecosystem.
- Fluency in Arabic.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is required for this role due to the global nature of Salesforce and the need to collaborate with international teams and partners.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a senior sales role in the Middle East, the estimated salary range for this position is AED 400,000 - 550,000 per annum (approximately USD 109,000 - 150,000). This range is inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Retirement savings plans.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Generous time off and leave policies.
- Employee resource groups and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Access to learning and development opportunities, including Trailhead, Salesforce's online learning platform.
Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the role may require flexibility to accommodate partner and customer needs, as well as occasional travel within the Middle East region.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's internal equity.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Salesforce operates in the software development industry, focusing on enterprise cloud computing and customer relationship management (CRM). The company is a leader in the CRM market, with a strong presence in the Middle East and globally.
Company Size: Salesforce is a large organization, with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.
Founded: Salesforce was founded in 1999 and has since grown into a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CRM).
Company Description:
- Salesforce is a customer company that empowers customers to succeed through its integrated CRM platform, which includes sales, marketing, customer service, and analytics solutions.
- The company is committed to delivering innovative, intuitive, and user-friendly products that help businesses of all sizes connect with their customers in a whole new way.
- Salesforce is also dedicated to giving back to communities through its 1-1-1 model, which donates 1% of the company's equity, employee hours, and product to improve communities around the world.
Company Specialties:
- Enterprise Cloud Computing
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Sales Cloud
- Service Cloud
- Marketing Cloud
- Commerce Cloud
- Platform and Industries
Company Website:
http://www.salesforce.com
ASSUMPTION: Salesforce's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and collaborate with international teams. The company's commitment to innovation and giving back to communities also sets it apart in the industry.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the sales organization, reporting directly to the Director of Alliances for the Middle East.
Reporting Structure: The Partner Account Director will work closely with various internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, Customer Success Group, Partner Success, Partner Solution Engineering, and Partner Program teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is based in Saudi Arabia but will require occasional travel within the Middle East region to meet with partners and customers.
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to work with a diverse range of partners and customers, gaining exposure to different industries and markets.
- Potential to advance within the sales organization or explore other functions within Salesforce, such as marketing or customer success.
- Access to learning and development opportunities through Trailhead, Salesforce's online learning platform.
ASSUMPTION: The Partner Account Director role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic partnerships and revenue growth in the Middle East, with potential for career advancement and exposure to diverse teams and projects.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on working from the Dubai office in the United Arab Emirates.
Office Location(s): Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Geographic Context:
- Dubai is a major business hub in the Middle East, offering a multicultural environment and numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a stable and supportive business environment, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Saudi Arabia is a key market for Salesforce in the Middle East, with a growing economy and increasing demand for CRM solutions.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the role may require flexibility to accommodate partner and customer needs.
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement in Dubai offers applicants the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment, with easy access to regional headquarters and key decision-makers.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission through the Salesforce careers portal.
2. Phone or video screen with a member of the talent acquisition team.
3. In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager or a member of the sales leadership team.
4. Final on-site or virtual interview with a panel of stakeholders, including sales leadership, partner success, and potentially a partner representative.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales and negotiation skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Relationship-building and communication skills.
- Cultural awareness and adaptability.
- Alignment with Salesforce's values and company culture.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in partner management, sales, and strategic partnerships.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to manage complex partner relationships, drive revenue growth, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Familiarize yourself with Salesforce's products and ecosystem, and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage them to drive partner success and customer satisfaction.
ATS Keywords: Partner management, strategic partnerships, revenue growth, sales, negotiation, contract management, customer success, go-to-market strategy, business development, relationship-building, market strategy, demand generation.
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing the candidate's sales and strategic thinking skills, as well as their cultural fit with Salesforce and the Middle East market.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Salesforce CRM
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Webex)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Partner relationship management (PRM) tools (e.g., Impartner, Allbound)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and other relevant tools is essential for this role, as they are integral to managing partner relationships, tracking pipeline and revenue, and collaborating with internal teams.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Success
- Innovation
- Equality
- Trust
- Growth
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented.
- Results-driven and focused on achieving sales targets.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with Salesforce's values, particularly 'Innovation' and 'Equality'?
2. How comfortable are you working in a multicultural environment and collaborating with partners and customers from diverse backgrounds?
3. How do you approach building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with partners and customers?
ASSUMPTION: Salesforce places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven behavior. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style during the interview process.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
1. Managing a diverse portfolio of partners with varying needs, expectations, and levels of maturity.
2. Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders, including partners, customers, and internal teams.
3. Navigating the unique cultural and business landscape of the Middle East region.
4. Adapting to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of Salesforce's business and the technology industry.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a complex and evolving environment.
π Similar Roles Comparison
1. Partner Account Director - Saudi Arabia vs. Partner Account Manager - Middle East:
- The Partner Account Director role focuses on strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth, while the Partner Account Manager role may have a broader scope, including demand generation, training, and development of joint offerings.
- The Partner Account Director role requires more senior-level experience and a proven track record in driving significant new software revenue through partnerships.
2. Partner Account Director - Saudi Arabia vs. Sales Manager - Middle East:
- The Partner Account Director role focuses on managing partner relationships and driving revenue growth through partnerships, while the Sales Manager role is responsible for driving direct sales and managing a team of sales representatives.
- The Partner Account Director role requires a strong understanding of the partner ecosystem and the ability to develop and execute joint go-to-market strategies.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research these roles and be prepared to discuss the differences and similarities between them during the interview process.
π Sample Projects
1. Developing a joint go-to-market strategy with a top-tier consulting partner to drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction in the Saudi Arabia market.
2. Identifying whitespace in the Middle East region and recruiting new consulting partners with industry, product, or market segment expertise to round out the partner ecosystem.
3. Leading a cross-functional team to deliver a complex customer implementation, ensuring alignment with the partner's capabilities and Salesforce's best practices.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they have successfully managed complex partner relationships and customer implementations.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does this role fit into the broader partner strategy for the Middle East region, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
2. What are the most successful partnerships in the Middle East region, and what can I learn from them to drive my own success in this role?
3. How does Salesforce support the growth and development of its partners in the region, and what resources are available to help me drive partner success?
4. What are the key challenges facing the partner ecosystem in the Middle East, and how can I help address them to drive customer success?
5. How does Salesforce measure the success of its partner relationships, and what metrics will I be held accountable for in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the partner ecosystem, and Salesforce's business in the Middle East region.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through this link:
https://careers.salesforce.com/jobs/job/?req=289436
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in partner management, sales, and strategic partnerships.
3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your ability to manage complex partner relationships, drive revenue growth, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
4. Familiarize yourself with Salesforce's products and ecosystem, and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage them to drive partner success and customer satisfaction.
5. Follow up with the talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.