Software Alliances Director

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Software Alliances Director based in Switzerland.

This is a senior strategic role focused on building and expanding high-impact software partnerships that drive adoption of open-source technologies across enterprise ecosystems. You will shape alliance strategies, influence partner roadmaps, and develop joint go-to-market initiatives that position open-source solutions at the core of modern infrastructure and AI-driven platforms. Working closely with global software vendors, you will help align engineering, product, and marketing teams to deliver integrated solutions that create long-term business value. The role combines technical understanding, commercial leadership, and ecosystem development in a fast-moving, globally distributed environment. You will operate at the intersection of strategy and execution, translating complex technical capabilities into compelling partner value propositions. This position is ideal for a commercially minded technologist who thrives in building strategic relationships and scaling software ecosystems.

• Define and execute alliance strategies across key enterprise accounts, regions, and technology verticals.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with software partners to drive joint product development and integration initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and marketing teams to align on roadmap priorities and open-source adoption strategies.
• Identify partnership opportunities by analyzing technical gaps, market needs, and ecosystem alignment.
• Develop and deliver partner-facing materials including reference architectures, joint solutions, white papers, webinars, and technical presentations.
• Drive go-to-market execution in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to accelerate adoption of open-source technologies.
• Influence partners to integrate and build solutions leveraging Canonical technologies and open-source platforms.
• Support enablement programs for partner engineering, sales, and delivery teams to strengthen ecosystem capability.
• Represent the organization in strategic partner engagements, industry events, and technical discussions.
• Travel internationally up to 25% to support partner relationships and ecosystem development activities.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in business development, product management, or technical alliance leadership within the software or technology sector.
• Strong background in software engineering, system architecture, or cloud infrastructure technologies.
• Proven experience working in customer-facing or partner-facing roles such as technology strategy, product management, or enterprise business development.
• Solid understanding of open-source ecosystems, software distribution models, and enterprise adoption strategies.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business and partner value propositions.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with experience influencing engineering, product, and marketing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across technical and executive-level stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic planning and hands-on execution environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, STEM, or a related technical field.
• Nice to have: experience in industries such as telecom, finance, automotive, or public sector, and familiarity with ISV/IHV ecosystems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience, geography, and performance.
• Performance-based annual bonus or commission structure.
• Annual compensation review cycle.
• Fully remote, globally distributed work environment.
• Twice-yearly in-person global team conferences.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Recognition rewards and performance incentives.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Maternity and paternity leave policies.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.
• Global travel opportunities for partner engagement and industry events.
• Priority Pass membership and travel upgrades for international business travel.