Partnerships Manager

About IgnitionIgnition Benefits is an independent employee benefits brokerage built for companies outgrowing their PEO or stuck on an unre-bid fully insured plan. We combine carrier relationships, proprietary analytics, and a high-touch advisory model to deliver better benefits at a lower cost. We're early-stage and moving fast — this role will have real impact from day one.Role OverviewWe're hiring a Partner Manager to build and scale our referral and channel ecosystem. Our strongest early signal has come from fractional CFO firms, venture capital, and private equity who refer clients our way. You'll own those relationships end-to-end — identifying the right partners, activating them with the right enablement, and making sure referrals convert. This role is equal parts relationship management and program building.What You'll DoIdentify, recruit, and onboard referral partners: fractional CFO firms, accounting firms, HR consultants, PEO advisors, and PE/VC portfolio operatorsBuild and manage a structured partner program: tiers, SLAs, enablement materials, and referral trackingServe as the primary point of contact for active partners — regular check-ins, deal support, and co-sell motionsWork closely with sales to ensure partner-sourced pipeline is followed up quickly and properly attributed in SalesforceDevelop partner-facing collateral: one-pagers, email templates, talking points, and co-branded materialsTrack partner program metrics: referrals submitted, pipeline created, close rate, and partner-sourced revenueIdentify gaps and build scalable solutions — this is a program-building role, not just account managementWhat We're Looking For3–5 years in partnerships, channel sales, or business development in a B2B environmentProven track record sourcing revenue through third-party referral or channel relationshipsRelationship-first mindset with the operational discipline to run a structured programComfortable in a startup environment where you're building the playbook, not running oneStrong written communicator — you'll be drafting partner outreach, enablement content, and internal reportingSalesforce or CRM fluency for tracking and attributionBackground in HR tech, benefits, insurance, financial services, or professional services is a meaningful plusCompensation & BenefitsIgnition offers equity participation for all full-time hires. We're early-stage, which means meaningful upside for people who join now and help build the company.First dedicated partner hire — you shape the program from scratchStrong early proof points: referral-sourced deals closing within days of introDirect line to leadership and a team that moves fast$95,000 – $115,000 base salary + 15–20% variable compensationFull benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)