Director of Partnerships

About Ottimate

Ottimate is an AI-powered AP [Accounts Payable] automation platform that empowers finance teams to reduce costs, prevent overpayments, detect fraud, and enforce policy compliance across the entire invoice-to-payment lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development: 
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing partnerships team, providing clear direction, coaching, and accountability.
• Set goals, define roles and responsibilities, and establish operating rhythms that enable the team to execute effectively and consistently.
• Mentor and grow team members through regular feedback, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement across the partnerships organization.
• Relationship Development & Management: 
• Align with your team's to maintain, and deepen relationships with key partners, collaborators, and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners and act as a trusted advisor to internal teams and external organizations.
• Partnership Strategy & Growth:
• Co-build and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy for each of our key industries that align with Ottimate’s goals and growth initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, Legal, and Customer Success teams to align joint initiatives and ensure seamless execution.
• Communicate partnership priorities and insights to leadership, contributing to strategic planning and company-wide goals.
• Brand Representation
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and partner engagements as an ambassador of our mission and value proposition.

We’re looking for a strategic, people-first leader who combines strong partnership instincts with the ability to build and scale teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Proven Leadership & Team Management

• Experience building, leading, and scaling high-performing partnerships or alliances teams.
• A coaching mindset with a track record of developing talent, driving accountability, and elevating team performance.
• Comfort balancing hands-on execution with leadership responsibilities as the organization grows.

Partnership & Business Acumen

• A strong track record of creating, managing, and scaling strategic partnerships that deliver measurable business results. 8+ Years in Partnership preferred. 
• Experience negotiating complex partnership agreements and aligning diverse stakeholder interests.

Strategic & Analytical Mindset

• Ability to assess market dynamics, identify ecosystem opportunities, and translate strategy into clear execution plans.
• Data-driven approach to defining success metrics, evaluating performance, and iterating on partnership strategies.

Exceptional Communication & Influence

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, align, and build trust across internal teams and external partners.
• Clear, concise communicator who can translate strategy into action for both leadership and frontline teams.

Collaborative & Adaptable

• Thrives in cross-functional environments and knows how to bring teams together around shared goals.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving organizations and navigating ambiguity with confidence.

Bonus Points

• Experience managing partnerships across multiple partner types (e.g., technology, channel, strategic alliances).
• Familiarity with CRM systems, partnership management tools, and performance analytics platforms.
• Strong background in FinTech, Payables in fast growing SaaS companies is a plus 

We care deeply about making Ottimate an incredible place to work and invest a significant amount of time and energy into creating and maintaining a company culture that provides our team with a generous level of support whilst inspiring them to do their best work. 

The specific benefits/perks we offer are continually evolving, but currently include:

• Compensation: (To be posted soon)
• Work from home in an energetic remote-first environment that supports flexible working hours and understands work-life balance.
• Competitive salary based on skills & experience.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and other Company-Subsidized Benefits for you and your family.
• Employer sponsored 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off (and the encouragement to use it).
• Annual company retreats.
• Promote from within philosophy.

Beyond the tangible benefits though:

• You will be part of a growing team, at a pinnacle moment of scale for the business, and experience the excitement of working in a startup where each action makes a huge difference.
• You will have the agency to solve difficult problems creatively, the freedom to explore work that inspires you, and infrastructure to ensure you're constantly challenged and developing.
• You will work with sharp, passionate teammates solving some of the most unique challenges and positioning our product as a premier finance automation solution. 
• Our commitment to empowering a diverse and inclusive workforce, celebrating differences, and creating a safe space for our employees to bring their whole selves to work is second to none.
• We are transforming entire industries using innovative technology including Artificial Intelligence, Payment Tech, and Neural Networks.
• Our leaders lead with a people-first approach; inspiring excellence, nurturing ideas, and finding creative ways to eliminate obstacles for cultivating growth.
• We truly love what we do and who we do it with - and we think you will too!

Ottimate is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or marital status. If you are excited about the role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply. Nothing in this job posting should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.

#LI-Remote