Microsoft Business Development Manager

Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.

We’re an award-winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:

• UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
• 3300+ strong, €350/£300m revenue business
• 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
• Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
• Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW

We’re a core values driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them, it’s deeply embedded within our DNA. Invest in us and we’ll invest in you!

Overview:

As a Business Development Manager (Microsoft), you will drive new business growth through strategic relationships with Microsoft. The role focuses on engaging with Microsoft’s Sales, Accounts, and Customer Success teams, as well as internal Business Development and Account teams, to secure new opportunities, strengthen the partnership, and deliver measurable revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with Microsoft teams, creating connections that contribute to sales opportunities.
  • Execute partner strategies to promote company capabilities and showcase success stories.
  • Lead meetings, events, and sessions with Microsoft to foster joint successes.
  • Attend industry events to strengthen networks within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Facilitate quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with Microsoft and internal stakeholders.
• Driving New Business and Co-Sell Opportunities:
  • Work closely with internal Business Development and Account Directors on joint account planning to identify and pursue opportunities.
  • Generate referrals and new leads from Microsoft, ensuring timely follow-up and accurate CRM tracking.
  • Provide account teams with insights and joint strategies from Microsoft to advance and close opportunities.
  • Use CRM data to track pipeline, forecast revenue, and support strategic decisions.
• Marketing and Go-to-Market Enablement:
  • Collaborate with Marketing on joint initiatives with Microsoft, securing funding and aligning messaging to generate leads.
  • Deliver targeted demand-generation campaigns to drive incremental growth.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Achieve KPIs, including revenue from the Microsoft partnership, number of referrals, pipeline growth, and partner-influenced sales.
  • Provide regular reports on KPIs, pipeline health, and partnership progress to senior leadership.
• Team Contribution:
  • Actively contribute as a member of the Microsoft Hub, supporting colleagues and fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft’s organizational structure, partner programs, and commercial approach.
• Proven expertise in partner management, business development, co-selling, and commercial negotiation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to engage executive-level stakeholders effectively.
• Skilled networker, capable of building senior relationships within Microsoft and customer organizations.
• Proficient in CRM tools for forecasting, tracking, and sales analysis.
• Ability to perform in competitive, high-pressure sales environments and meet deadlines.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in a partner management or business development role with a focus on Microsoft.
• Knowledge of the UK technology market, especially digital, data, and cloud services.

Why Version 1?

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform.
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.

And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.

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