Senior Partner Manager (Corporate Accounts) - Remote, Johannesburg - R40 000 - R75 000 total CTC depending on experience Translate youth employability programmes into commercial and compliance value for corporate partners while growing a remote-first South African partnership portfolio.
About Our Client Our client works to address inequality by connecting talented youth across the world to high-value learning and career opportunities. They create opportunities to skill, reskill, or upskill talented young people by working with learners, funders, employers, and learning opportunity providers. Guided by values like Learner at the Centre, Driven by Impact, and Strength in Community, they cultivate joy, practice accountability, build trust, foster belief, accelerate learning, and inspire action.
The Role: Senior Partner Manager (Corporate Accounts) This role exists to own and grow the South African corporate partnerships portfolio by translating youth employability programmes into commercial and compliance value for corporate partners. Reporting to the Partnerships Director, the position focuses on deepening existing corporate accounts, building a pipeline of new partners, and serving as the internal subject-matter expert on B-BBEE scorecard mechanics, QCTO accreditation, and skills development funding.
Key Responsibilities
Bring a minimum 7+ years of experience in partnership management, business development, or account growth roles to manage and grow a portfolio of existing South African corporate partners.
Identify, pitch, and close new corporate partnerships aligned to youth employability programmes.
Act as the internal subject-matter expert on B-BBEE scorecard mechanics, QCTO accreditation, legacy SETA transitions, and Skills Development Levy strategy.
Build and maintain relationships with B-BBEE verification agencies, consultants, and key ecosystem players who influence corporate spend.
Translate programme outcomes into commercial and compliance language such as CSI/ESD reporting, B-BBEE points, and skills spend justification.
Work closely with internal Finance and Impact teams to build partner-ready proof points and reporting.
Represent the organisation at relevant industry events, sector forums, and networks to build visibility and credibility.
Report on portfolio performance and pipeline to the Partnerships Director.
About You
Minimum 7+ years of experience in partnership management, business development, or account growth roles within the South African corporate CSI/ESD/skills development space.
Deep technical working knowledge and hands-on knowledge of B-BBEE codes and scorecard mechanics (Skills Development and ESD elements), including the SETA-to-QCTO transition and its impact on Skills Development claim value.
Proven track record of growing a portfolio of corporate accounts through new business acquisition and account expansion.
Proven experience presenting to and influencing senior corporate stakeholders.
Strong consultative sales, account growth, and commercial storytelling skills to build business cases and translate impact into corporate ROI.
Confident, credible relationship-builder who is self-directed, resilient, collaborative, and comfortable originating new business.
Strong written and verbal communicator who thrives in a growth-focused environment.
Background at a B-BBEE verification agency, consulting firm, or skills development ecosystem player is advantageous.
Existing network within South African corporate CSI, ESD, or transformation teams is desirable.
Experience in the youth employment, education, or skills development sector is preferred.