Partner Development Manager - Surface Distribution
Microsoft
Operations, Sales & Business Development
USD 87k-148,700 / year
Posted on Sep 17, 2025
Partner Development Manager – Surface Distribution
Multiple Locations, United States
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Date posted
Sep 16, 2025
Job number
1874667
Work site
0 days / week in-office - remote
Travel
0-25 %
Role type
Individual Contributor
Profession
Sales
Discipline
Partner Development Management
Employment type
Full-Time
Overview
At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The Surface business plays a pivotal role in this mission by delivering premium devices that showcase the best of Microsoft, and our partner ecosystem is essential to scaling this impact. As a Partner Development Manager (PDM) focused on Surface Distribution, you will be at the forefront of driving growth, transformation, and partner success across the commercial channel.
As a Partner Development Manager – Surface Distribution, you will be responsible for driving strategic growth and operational excellence across Microsoft’s Surface device ecosystem through Distribution Managed Partners (DMPs). Your focus will be on top-tier Gold and Silver partners, as well as strategic Modern Work DMPs, while also aligning with Authorized Device Resellers (ADRs) to ensure performance in the SMB segment.
In this role, you will lead the end-to-end channel strategy—from partner recruitment and enablement to sales execution and performance management. You will independently manage distributor relationships, optimize channel performance, and align partner capabilities with the broader Surface and Microsoft device strategy.
Working closely with regional and global stakeholders, you will ensure that distribution partners are enabled, motivated, and equipped to deliver on sales, marketing, and supply chain objectives. Your efforts will directly impact the availability, reach, and success of Surface products across commercial and education segments.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and
we’re dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Operations, Computer Science or a related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in partner management, sales, business development, or partner channel development in the technology industry or related experience OR equivalent experience.
- 4+ years experience of successful sales, partner/channel management, or consulting
- 4+ years experience in commercial hardware sales (e.g., PCs, networking, storage).
Additional or preferred qualifications
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Business Science, or an advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or a related field AND 5+ years experience in partner management, sales, business development, or partner channel development in the technology industry or related experience OR equivalent experience.
- Familiarity with partner economic models and channel strategies, with the ability to apply them effectively in diverse business contexts.
- Demonstrated success in influencing cross-functional teams and contributing to meaningful transformation initiatives.
- Skilled in communication, negotiation, and building collaborative relationships across varied stakeholder groups.
- Willingness to travel up to 25%.
Partner Development Management IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $87,000 - $148,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $113,400 - $164,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until Septeber 23rd, 2025.
Responsibilities
Channel Strategy & Execution
Develop and implement business plans with Distribution Managed Partners (DMPs), incorporating key performance indicators, investment strategies, and sales targets. Support sell-in and sell-through motions across distribution and reseller networks to expand reach and impact.
Partner Enablement
Design and lead readiness programs that activate partner sellers and scale Surface solution selling, including Microsoft 365 and cloud services. Focus on building partner capabilities and confidence through accessible resources and collaborative engagement.
Sales Leadership
Manage Surface commercial revenue and unit performance across the DMP ecosystem. Guide pipeline development, forecasting, and alignment with Microsoft field teams to ensure consistent execution and growth.
Ecosystem Development
Foster a thriving partner ecosystem that values profitability, commitment to Surface, and alignment with Microsoft’s Modern Work strategy. Encourage inclusive collaboration and long-term partner engagement.
Operational Excellence
Support operational processes including compliance with partner guidelines, escalation management, and business desk coordination for unique opportunities. Promote efficiency and clarity in partner interactions.
Success Metrics
- Achievement of Surface revenue and unit goals through improved DMP reach, frequency, and yield.
- Activation and performance of approved partners in emerging and strategic channels.
- Enhanced partner satisfaction and engagement across programs and initiatives.
- Effective execution of marketing and sales programs aligned with Microsoft priorities.
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
Industry leading healthcare
Educational resources
Discounts on products and services
Savings and investments
Maternity and paternity leave
Generous time away
Giving programs
Opportunities to network and connect
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.