International Sales Partner Manager Full-time Job

We are currently recruiting a Switzerland-based International Sales Partner Manager for our client. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a motivated, energetic self-starter with strong technical acumen and a proven track record in partner and channel sales.Company ProfileOur client is a long-established, family-owned European industrial machinery manufacturer with a global footprint and approx. 700 employees worldwide. The company is recognized for engineering excellence, durable machinery, automated material-handling solutions, and a strong commitment to innovation and customer service.The organization serves customers in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, steel distribution, and general industrial sectors. The culture is people-oriented, loyal, and craftsmanship-driven, with many long-tenured employees and a strong emphasis on quality and long-term relationships.Position SummaryThe International Sales Partner Manager is a newly created strategic role responsible for the global management, optimization, and expansion of the companys external sales partner and representative network. Reporting directly to Executive Management, the role provides independent oversight across all international representation markets and drives the strategic realignment of the partner landscape.The core responsibility of this role is to assess the current partner landscape, renegotiate or replace underperforming partners, and identify new, high-potential partnerships. Ensuring consistent performance, accountability, and alignment with the companys commercial priorities is essential. While the role works highly independently, it remains closely connected to company leadership and the sales organization to maintain strategic alignment.This role requires a strong communicator with a solid commercial background and technical understanding who can evaluate partner performance and take necessary action to adjust the partner network as needed.Main ResponsibilitiesFull ownership of the global sales partner and representative network across Europe, Asia, and other strategic marketsEvaluate partner performance, capabilities, technical understanding, market positioning, and customer engagementIdentify, select, negotiate, and onboard new international sales partners in priority regionsRenegotiate or revise contracts, including exclusivity, performance expectations, termination clauses, and reporting structuresDefine KPIs, business plans, partner targets, and transparent commercial frameworksTrain partners to actively develop the market, generate leads, conduct customer reporting, and participate in local marketing and trade fairsCoordinate technical onboarding together with internal specialists; ensure partners can independently manage standard inquiriesConduct regular partner visits to assess capabilities, review performance, drive improvements, and strengthen relationshipsServe as the central interface between external partners and internal functions such as Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Service, and EngineeringManage conflicts or escalations in a structured and transparent mannerProvide regular reporting and strategic recommendations directly to Executive ManagementCandidate ProfileDegree in Mechanical/ Industrial Engineering, or comparable educationMinimum 10 years of B2B commercial experience, ideally with responsibility for international distributors, agents, or channel partnersBackground in machinery- or component manufacturing, automation, industrial equipment, or other technically oriented B2B sectorsStrong commercial mindset with the ability to understand technical products and evaluate partner competenceExperience in building, restructuring, or professionalizing global partner networksHigh degree of independence, assertiveness, and decision-making strengthExcellent communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive relationship dynamics diplomatically but firmlyBusiness-fluent German and English; additional languages are a plusWillingness to travel internationally (~50%)