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 businesses.
• Strong knowledge of telecom, ICT, and digital business solutions, with the ability to identify partnership opportunities that strengthen SME value propositions.
• Experience using CRM, analytics, and performance tracking tools to monitor program effectiveness, partner performance, and customer engagement outcomes.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities, with the confidence to work across senior internal stakeholders, external partners, and ecosystem players.

Not a perfect fit?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about empowering people and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to still apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity.

Who we are

We are a leading international Telco, serving millions of customers. At Vodafone, we believe that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us. Through our technology we empower people, connecting everyone regardless of who they are or where they live and we protect the planet, whilst helping our customers do the same.

Belonging at Vodafone isn't a concept; it's lived, breathed, and cultivated through everything we do. You'll be part of a global and diverse community, with many different minds, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. ;We're committed to increase diversity, ensure equal representation, and make Vodafone a place everyone feels safe, valued and included.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, please refer to https://careers.vodafone.com/application-adjustments/ for guidance.

Together we can.