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Zip Pay

Director, US Strategic Partnerships

Zip Pay, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Deep expertise in the AI and platform ecosystem, including foundation model providers and major tech platforms Leadership role shaping and scaling Zip’s US partnership strategy to drive merchant and consumer growth Remote-first opportunity for US-based employees with the option to work in-person out of our Manhattan office

Start your adventure with Zip With the merchant and consumer growth ambitions at Zip, we are looking for a

Director, Strategic Partnerships

who will own, grow, and manage our strategic partnerships in the US. As the Director, Strategic Partnerships, you will have a deep understanding of the AI and technology partnership landscape and bring strong commercial, strategic, and relationship management skills. This role sits at the core of the organization. You will partner closely with internal and external executives, and work cross-functionally with product, sales, marketing, risk, data, and finance teams to design and execute high-impact partnership strategies.

The key goals for this role are to: a) Define and execute key strategic partnerships and multi-year roadmaps b) Lead GTM (go‑to‑market) functions for new existing partners c) Build, prioritize, and manage our partnership pipeline to drive sustainable revenue and margin impact

You will focus on core partners including AI leaders (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic), Amazon, Meta, Adobe, and other strategic technology platforms, and operate as a visible leader and subject‑matter expert on AI and platform partnerships across Zip US.

Interesting problems you’ll get to solve Develop a deep understanding of the AI, platform & technology landscape to create new opportunities

Pull together a consolidated view of trends across AI, cloud, advertising, and commerce platforms, and translate insights into product, commercial, and sales recommendations

Complete deep dives on new opportunities across key verticals (e.g., retail, eCommerce, marketplaces) and distribution channels tied to core partners like OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, Meta, and Adobe

Be extremely proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Salesforce to model scenarios, structure narratives, and manage partner pipeline and performance

Leverage AI tools to surface partnership insights, automate reporting, and identify revenue optimization opportunities across AI and platform partners (e.g., AI‑assisted analysis of partner performance, GTM content generation, and risk/opportunity scanning)

Educate executives and sales teams on the AI and platform ecosystem, competitive landscape, and partnership opportunities through structured, data‑backed storytelling

Manage and grow relationships with strategic AI and technology partners to increase market share

Develop growth strategy and clear plans for core partners including AI leaders (OpenAI, Anthropic), commerce platforms (Amazon), social platforms (Meta), and creative/experience platforms (Adobe)

Track performance metrics with these strategic partners, ensuring commercial terms are optimized and operationalized

Drive revenue growth and cost optimization by developing joint solutions, integrations, and programs that leverage these platforms to acquire and engage merchants and consumers

Work with product teams to lead RFPs and drive the right product and commercial outcomes for Zip; understand partner roadmaps and how Zip can leverage upcoming capabilities ahead of competitors

Collaborate with sales and marketing to develop high‑impact co‑marketing, marketplace, and distribution initiatives that help both the partner and Zip succeed

Lead regular education, relationship‑building, and knowledge‑sharing between partner teams and Zip teams, becoming a thought leader in AI and strategic platform partnerships for Zip

Lead internal alignment, governance, and execution

Regularly align with regional and global counterparts to understand intra‑region trends and best practices, and apply them to the US market

Provide clear, recurring updates on partnerships, pipeline, opportunities, and risks to key regional stakeholders and executive sponsors

Ensure strong processes, operating rhythms, and governance are built and followed to set up all partnerships and merchants for success

Track and analyse partner performance (merchant growth, transaction volume, unit economics, activation/adoption of AI or platform features) and propose strategic courses of action, experiments, and improvements

Impact and collaboration

The

Director, Strategic Partnerships

will be a key leader within the Partnerships team, driving critical initiatives across:

AI & Platform Strategy:

Develop strategy and approach to leverage AI and key platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, Meta, Adobe, and others) to enhance Zip’s products, economics, and customer experiences.

Partnership Enablement:

Assess and negotiate global and regional deals with partners and channels to drive revenue via new SMB and Enterprise merchant acquisition.

Partnership Management:

Own and track merchant and partner KPIs with our strategic partners, ensuring Zip achieves its growth, profitability, and customer experience goals through these platforms.

What you’ll bring to the team

Proven industry or consulting experience

– 10+ years of experience, with at least 5+ years in roles within strategy, partnerships, or technology business development, managing key relationships with AI or platform partners (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS/Amazon, Meta, Adobe, or similar)

Analytical & financial acumen

– Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills, strong comfort with data‑driven decision‑making, and a track record of optimizing commercial outcomes at scale

Demonstrated use of AI in your role

– Experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Notion AI, Salesforce Einstein, or similar) to improve decision‑making, efficiency, GTM execution, or partner engagement

Salesforce & GTM execution

– Proven ability to track complex deals, manage partner pipelines, operationalize co‑selling motions, and execute go‑to‑market strategies with sales and marketing teams

Negotiation & influence

– Experience leading complex deal cycles end‑to‑end, collaborating cross‑functionally, and influencing senior stakeholders internally and externally

Consulting experience helpful

– Experience at a top‑tier consulting firm (e.g., Deloitte, McKinsey, BCG, Bain) or in a similarly rigorous strategic environment is a plus

Results‑driven & innovative

– Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth, scaling or transforming partnership programs, and solving problems creatively in ambiguous environments

Ability to process complex information, analyse options, and think “outside the box” to deliver outcomes

Ability to collaborate with, influence, and persuade others using structured, logical thinking and clear communication

Strong customer‑first ethic and a results‑orientated mindset with a track record to prove it

Alignment with Zip’s values: Customer First, Own It, Stronger Together, and Change the Game in how you lead, execute, and build partnerships

What you’ll get in return

Flexible working culture

Incentive programs

Unlimited PTO

Generous paid parental leave

Leading family support policies

Company‑sponsored 401k match

Learning and wellness subscription stipend

Beautiful Union Square office with a casual dress code

Industry‑leading, employer‑sponsored insurance for you and your dependents, with several 100% Zip‑covered choices available

Zip is committed to a straightforward and transparent pay structure. The actual base salary will be determined by various individualized factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, location, internal equity, as well as other objective business considerations.

The annual base Pay Range for this position is

$166,000 - $200,000.

This range reflects our US national compensation (USN). Additional premium percentages may apply based on our tiered premium strategy. The total compensation package may also include a bonus and/or equity awards, as well as a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits. If hired, employees will be in an “at‑will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary and other discretionary compensation at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance or market factors.

Be a part of a team that reflects the diversity of our customers

We pride ourselves on being a workplace that provides equal opportunities to people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, veteran status, and everything else that makes you unique. Equally, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive. Please let us know if there are any adjustments that need to be made to ensure you have a fair and equitable experience. Zip participates in the federal government’s E‑Verify program.

I acknowledge by clicking 'Submit Application', that the information provided is true and correct. I also understand that any willful dishonesty may result in refusal of this application or immediate termination of employment. By providing your information, you acknowledge that you have read our Zip Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice and authorize Zip to process your data subject to those terms. #LI-Remote

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