Senior Associate - Partnerships

OverviewThe Senior Associate - Partnerships at Inception will play a pivotal role in developing and managing strategic and commercial relationships that drive innovation and growth within the AI and technology sectors. Reporting to the Director - Partnerships, this role is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing key partnerships that align with Inception’s mission and goals. The Senior Associate will collaborate across departments to build alliances that enhance Inception’s AI ecosystem, accelerate innovation, and drive value for customers and stakeholders.The opportunityAs the Senior Associate - Partnerships, you will be instrumental in shaping Inception’s partnership strategy, focusing on collaborations with AI technology companies, universities, research institutions, and industry leaders. You will lead initiatives that foster the development of cutting‑edge AI solutions, enhance the company’s market position, and unlock new business opportunities. Your ability to forge impactful alliances will directly contribute to Inception's long‑term success in the rapidly evolving AI space.Inception’s focus includes building Enterprise AI Products, and our partnerships help us accelerate IP creation while maintaining a focus on go‑to‑market / commercializing.ResponsibilitiesOverall: Partnership Strategy and DevelopmentClosely collaborate to create a strategic plan for partnerships that aligns with Inception’s vision, product goals, and commercial strategy.Work closely with internal AI research and development teams to align partnerships with Inception’s product roadmaps and technological advancements.Pre‑Signature: Identify, conduct diligence, build business cases, and negotiate partnerships with technology companies, academic institutions, and extended sales channels.Post‑Signature: Focus on partnership health, governance, and help execute on achieving commercial goals.Cross‑functional LeadershipCollaborate with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering teams to ensure that partnerships deliver maximum value to the organization and align with business objectives.Work closely with the VP – Commercial to integrate partnership initiatives into the broader commercial strategy.Partner Management and ExecutionManage the day‑to‑day operations of key partnerships, ensuring that objectives are met and that partnerships evolve in line with business goals.Lead joint planning sessions with partners to define project milestones, KPIs, and areas of focus.Track and analyze the performance of partnerships, reporting on key metrics such as value delivered, revenue generated, and overall success.Negotiation and Contract ManagementSupport and lead negotiations with potential partners, ensuring favorable terms that align with Inception’s strategic goals.Manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and operational requirements.Work with legal and finance teams to structure agreements that maximize value while mitigating risk.TeamOwn weekly team operations: Track progress and hold the Partnerships team accountable for weekly deliverables and action items.Manage OKR tracking: Maintain and update team OKR progress, ensuring visibility and alignment with broader organizational goals.Build performance visibility: Define key KPIs and develop dashboards to monitor the health of the partnership’s portfolio and pipeline, including signed deals and in‑progress opportunities.QualificationsSkills and attributes for successProven ability to establish and nurture strategic partnerships within the AI or technology sectors.Strong understanding of AI technologies, product development, and market trends.Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution, ensuring that partnerships drive tangible business results.Experience in managing complex, cross‑functional initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.Strength in financial analysis.To qualify for the role you must haveBachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or a related role within the technology or AI sectors.Strong background in managing partnerships with technology companies, universities, or research institutions.A proven track record of securing and managing high‑value partnerships that drive innovation and revenue growth.Be willing to be located in Abu Dhabi full‑time.What We Look ForIf you are a performance‑driven, inquisitive mind with the agility to adapt to ambiguity, you will fit right in. You should be eager to explore opportunities to build meaningful collaborations with stakeholders and aspire to create unique customer‑centric solutions. Bias for action and a passion to conquer new frontiers in the AI space is at the heart of the Inception community.Wh