Partner Manager - Microsoft

 Job Title:             Partner Manager – Microsoft

Location:             Farnborough, Cardiff or Liverpool (Hybrid)

Salary:                 £60,000 - £65,000

Contract type:    Permanent

#LI-Hybrid

About the role

As an award winning IT Services and Solutions provider, ARO’s portfolio of software and SAAS vendors are key to delivering business advantage. First among these is Microsoft, with ARO currently providing extensive Microsoft Cloud offerings including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, PowerApps and Azure services.

As Partner Manager for software, you will play a critical role in helping to maximise ARO’s financial performance. You will manage ARO’s portfolio of key software vendors, with a primary focus on Microsoft partner programme management.

You will be responsible for agreeing and managing vendor business plans through life-cycle activities. You will have strong commercial acumen to ensure ARO maximises margins.

Specifically for Microsoft, you will be an expert at managing Microsoft’s Partner Programme and Microsoft Cloud Licensing.

Please note that this is a Hybrid role with onsite requirement 3 days a week. You must be able to commute to the office and have your own transport.

What you’ll do

Manage a portfolio of key ARO software suppliers

• Subject matter expert for key partner programmes within software segment, primarily Microsoft, Kaseya and Barracuda.
• Manage a preferred software supplier portfolio, and consolidate or expand as required to deliver material commercial advantage.

Microsoft Partner Program and One Tier Supply

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) on the Microsoft Partner Program and Microsoft Licensing.
• Understand and advise on the financial and compliance implications of various licensing models and Microsoft programmes.
• Enable teams to resolve Microsoft licensing and billing queries, acting as the final point of escalation for complex issues

Performance & Incentives

• Own the submission and tracking of Microsoft incentives, rebates, and funding programs (e.g.Azure MDP, ECIF, Co-op).
• Monitor and manage performance against Microsoft competency and partner tiering metrics.

Analyse ARO performance to produce actionable insights that deliver commercial advantage.

Supplier life-cycle management / Supplier Business plan

• Maximise margins by defining and managing business plans for our key software partners.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Cloud Practice, Managed Services) to agree and deliver joint business plans.
  

Supplier onboarding and performance management

• Onboarding – ensuring internal stakeholders are mobilized to integrate new suppliers.
• Business owner for supplier portal access.
• Conduct regular key supplier reviews to review performance and identify improvements.
• Remove or consolidate suppliers for performance or commercial reasons.
  

Purchasing procedure management

• Ensure purchasing team are following correct work instructions to optimize purchasing e.g. Microsoft Partner Centre and license allocations.
  
  Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure suppliers meet ARO, legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Work with Revenue Assurance and Billing teams to reduce software revenue or cost leakage.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply continuity, quality, and compliance.

What we are looking for?

Essential

• Solid experience of managing a Microsoft partnership within an IT, Cloud, or Services-led organisation.
• Deep knowledge and experience of Microsoft Partner Centre and Microsoft licensing.
• Highly commercial; proven record of delivering commercially advantageous solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Analytical, inquisitive, methodical, with a high attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  

Desirable

• Certifications e.g. Microsoft Fundamentals e.g., MS-900, AZ-900, SC-900, AI-900, PL-900)
• Experience working within vendor and partner programs, especially Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program with multiple Solution Partner designations or higher.
• Familiar with CSP/ISV models, Microsoft Solution Plays, or Microsoft Azure GTM strategy.
• Certification in Procurement or Supply Management (e.g., CPSM).

Who are we?

Aro has 25 years’ experience in Collaboration, Connectivity, Cloud and Infrastructure and Cyber Security services both in the UK and Internationally and has a nationwide presence with offices across the UK.

As one of the UK’s leading independent IT and communication experts our mission is to deliver a seamless technology experience to all end users. To make that vision a reality, we need bright, tenacious and inspiring talent to help drive our performance, growth and achieve this mission.

To make us successful we focus on strong communication, a culture based on fun, trust and collaboration. We have created a modern workplace environment, which is full of engaged, energetic, positive and curious people whose productivity, resilience and wellbeing allow them to thrive.

In 2021 we were awarded the People Insight’s Outstanding Workplace Award, which celebrates organisations building positive workplace cultures and acting on employee feedback to spark positive change. 

Why Work for Aro?

At Aro we are committed to creating an excellent employee experience. Our employees, culture and additional benefits all make Aro a great place to work. Come join us!

We offer a wide range of benefits and incentives to our employees including:

• Company Pension Scheme and matching contributions
• Company Perks portal
• Private Medical insurance
• Life assurance
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus holiday trading
• Your Birthday off, on us!
• Health Club and Wellbeing Scheme
• Aro Shares after 12 months employment
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Technical Training Academy and E-learning
• Hybrid working

If even 80% of this matches your experience and attributes, we would be delighted to hear from you.