Microsoft program manager

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Microsoft Partner Program Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, governance, optimization, and growth of Microsoft partner programs across the organization. This role focuses on maximizing the value of the Microsoft partnership ecosystem by driving incentive and rebate opportunities, ensuring program compliance, supporting business stakeholders, and enabling teams to effectively leverage Microsoft programs and benefits.

As the subject matter expert for Microsoft Partner Center, incentives, rebates, and partner benefits, the role serves as a key liaison between Microsoft and internal team members. The position requires building strong stakeholder relationships, providing strategic guidance, and driving initiatives that deliver business growth, operational excellence, and increased value from Microsoft partnerships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Microsoft Partner Program Management Lead the administration, governance, and optimization of Microsoft Partner Programs. Maximize value from Microsoft incentives, funding opportunities, benefits, and partner investments. Maintain the accuracy and integrity of Microsoft Partner Center, ensuring all profiles, competencies, certifications, and records remain current. Oversee Strategic Partnership Funding (SPF), including execution tracking, proof-of-execution submissions, and reporting. Monitor program performance and identify opportunities to improve partner benefits, operational efficiency, and business growth. Act as the SME for the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Partner Center, Solution Partner Designations, Specializations, Incentives, Rebate Programs, Partner Benefits, and SPF. Coordinate the execution of the Microsoft annual business plan and strategic initiatives. Manage regional Microsoft programs and initiatives across SSA. Ensure alignment between Microsoft requirements, Westcon objectives, and partner outcomes. Incentive and Rebate Management Lead Microsoft Partner Programs, incentive management, partner enablement, and business growth initiatives across the Sub-Saharan Africa region, ensuring alignment to Microsoft strategic priorities. Serve as the internal subject matter expert on Microsoft incentives, rebates, funding programs, and partner benefits. Track, analyze, and report on incentive earnings, rebate attainment, and funding opportunities. Ensure timely and accurate submission of claims, rebates, SPF requests, and supporting documentation. Track funding attainment, recovery plans, and ROI against executed activities. Develop and improve processes that maximize incentive achievement while maintaining Microsoft compliance. Drive ongoing optimization of incentive programs to maximize profitability and vendor returns. Business Support & Collaboration Provide guidance and advisory support to teams participating in Microsoft programs and initiatives. Enable stakeholders to effectively navigate Microsoft Partner Center, incentive programs, funding opportunities, and compliance requirements. Collaborate across departments to resolve program-related challenges and drive successful business outcomes. Ensure alignment between Microsoft requirements, Westcon objectives, and partner outcomes. Strategic Planning & Growth Align Microsoft program objectives with broader business goals and growth initiatives. Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance Microsoft engagement, program adoption, and business performance. Identify opportunities to drive operational efficiency, profitability, and long-term partner success through Microsoft programs. Support continuous improvement initiatives by staying current with Microsoft program updates, incentives, and partner ecosystem changes Governance & Performance Coordinate regional Microsoft programs and initiatives across SSA. Establish governance frameworks, project plans, milestones, KPIs, and reporting structures. Ensure alignment between Microsoft requirements, Westcon business objectives, and partner outcomes. Maintain program risk registers and mitigation plans. Track strategic initiatives through to completion and ensure stakeholder accountability. Prepare executive reports, business reviews, QBRs, and governance updates. Measure performance against funding attainment, incentive achievement, designation progression, and strategic business objectives. Vendor Program Management Act as a key operational liaison between Microsoft and Westcon. Coordinate Microsoft reporting, audits, assessments, and compliance requirements. Track Microsoft incentives, rebates, funding utilization, and program performance. Ensure adherence to Microsoft operational standards, deadlines, and governance requirements. Support achievement of Solution Partner Designations, Specializations, and Accreditation objectives. Cross-Functional Leadership Coordinate activities between Sales, Marketing, Technical, Support, Lifecycle, Billing, and Operations teams. Facilitate regular business reviews and execution meetings. Ensure accountability for deliverables across all stakeholders. Escalate risks and blockers appropriately. Stakeholder & Relationship Management Build and maintain strong relationships with Microsoft stakeholders and internal Westcon teams. Act as the primary point of contact for Microsoft partner program-related engagements and escalations. Develop and maintain key stakeholder engagement plans and contact structures within the Microsoft ecosystem. Advocate for business priorities and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelor's Degree, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Business Management, Information Technology, Marketing, Project Management, or a related field. Relevant Microsoft certifications and partner program accreditations are advantageous. Additional certifications in program management, cloud technologies, or partner ecosystem management are beneficial. Experience Minimum 5 years' experience managing Microsoft partner programs, channel initiatives, incentives, funding programs, or strategic alliance functions. Experience within IT Distribution, Microsoft Partner Ecosystem, Cloud, Saa S, or Managed Services environments. Proven experience working with Microsoft Partner Center and navigating Microsoft partner benefits, competencies, designations, and program requirements. Experience managing Microsoft incentives, Strategic Partnership Funding (SPF), co-op investments, claims, compliance reporting, and proof of execution processes. Strong experience collaborating with Microsoft stakeholders, partners, distributors, and internal business teams to drive program success and business growth. Experience supporting partner enablement, demand generation activities, and Microsoft-focused go-to-market initiatives across multiple solution areas. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives, executive stakeholder engagement, and strategic business planning. Experience managing executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement. Technical Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of Microsoft Partner Center, Solution Partner Designations, Specializations, and partner ecosystem programs. In-depth knowledge of Microsoft incentives, funding models, rebates, and partner investment frameworks. Strong analytical, reporting, and data interpretation skills with the ability to provide actionable business insights. Strong understanding of Microsoft's AI Cloud, Azure, Security, Modern Work, Business Applications, and CSP ecosystem. Values

Demonstrates and embraces Westcon-Comstor values of Partnership, Integrity, Ambition and Accountability.

* Recruitment and Selection of candidates will be according to the Company's Employment Equity Targets * #J-18808-Ljbffr