Director of Strategic Partnerships
DescriptionDirector of Strategic Partnerships — Global Payments (GPN) | Genius POS Solutions (Restaurant and Hospitality SMB & Enterprise Sports & Entertainment Venues Food Service Management U.S. & International)Role SummaryThe Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for Global Payments (GPN) Genius POS Solutions will own the partner strategy, growth, management and execution of the partner ecosystem that powers Genius POS across SMB and enterprise restaurants, professional and collegiate sports stadiums and venues, and food service management organizations.This position will build and scale a high‑impact partnership organization spanning partner strategy, partner acquisition, contracting, product‑aligned integration strategy, GTM strategy, execution and alignment with sales and marketing, and ongoing partner lifecycle management.The role also carries responsibility for new market expansion through partner‑led business development. The Director reports directly to the VP and Head of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development over POS and software vertical markets for Global Payments.Key Responsibilities Partnership Strategy & Ecosystem LeadershipDevelop and execute the end‑to‑end partnership strategy in alignment with Genius product leadership for Genius POS across restaurant, stadium/venue, and food service verticals.Build a multi‑tier partner ecosystem consisting of existing and net new partners and including integration partners, channel partners, strategic alliances, and technology partners.Identify ecosystem gaps and prioritize partners that expand product capability, accelerate sales, or unlock new markets. Partner Acquisition & ContractingLead sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation of new partners across POS‑adjacent categories (ordering, delivery, loyalty/CRM, payments, labor, inventory, analytics, stadium tech, venue operations).Own the partner contracting process, working closely with Legal, Finance, and Product to structure scalable, repeatable agreements.Establish partner tiers, incentives, commercial models, and performance frameworks. Product Alignment & Technical IntegrationsPartner with Product leadership to define the integration roadmap and ensure partner capabilities align with Genius POS strategy.Collaborate with the Product Partner Technical Integrations Team to prioritize, scope, and deliver high‑impact integrations.Ensure partners meet technical, security, and compliance standards across U.S. and international markets. Go‑to‑Market Alignment with Sales & MarketingBuild joint GTM motions with Sales, Marketing, and Enablement teams.Develop partner‑driven revenue programs, co‑marketing campaigns, and field‑ready partner positioning.Ensure sales teams are trained, supported, and equipped to sell with and through partners. Partner Lifecycle Management & SupportOversee onboarding, certification, enablement, and ongoing partner success.Establish KPIs, dashboards, and QBR processes to measure partner performance and ecosystem health.Drive continuous improvement in partner experience and partner‑driven revenue. New Market Business DevelopmentIdentify and evaluate new verticals, geographies, and revenue opportunities unlocked through partner collaboration.Build business cases for expansion into international markets, stadium/venue ecosystems, and emerging food service technologies.Lead exploratory partnerships that extend Genius POS into new operational environments. Team Leadership & Organizational GrowthBuild and lead a high‑performing team across:Partner StrategyPartner AcquisitionPartner ContractingProduct‑aligned Integration StrategyGTM AlignmentPartner SupportMentor and develop talent, establish operating rhythms, and scale the team as the ecosystem grows.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree required.8+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or alliances.Deep experience in restaurant technology, POS ecosystems, or adjacent food service tech.Proven success building and scaling partner programs across multiple verticals or geographies.Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex partner agreements.Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with Product, Engineering, Operations, Commercialization, Sales, Marketing, and Legal.Experience leading teams and building new organizational capabilities.Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.Preferred QualificationsExperience with enterprise restaurant brands, stadium/venue operations, or food service management.Familiarity with payments, fintech, or merchant services ecosystems.Background in SaaS, integrations, APIs, or platform‑based partner models.Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.Success MetricsGrowth in partner‑sourced and partner‑influenced revenue.Expansion of integration footprint and partner ecosystem coverage.Improved partner satisfaction, retention, and performance.Acceleration of product roadmap through partner integrations.Successful entry into new markets or verticals via partner‑led strategies.Scalable team structure and operational excellence.