Strategic Partnership Development Senior Manager

Overview

WELCOME TO SITA

At SITA, we keep airports moving, airlines flying smoothly, and borders open. Our technology and communication innovations power the success of the global air travel industry. You’ll find us in 95% of international airports, working closely with over 2,500 transportation and government clients. Each partnership brings unique challenges, and we thrive on delivering fresh solutions and cutting-edge tech to keep operations running like clockwork.

We don’t just move the world forward—we’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work by 79% of our employees and certified in most of our growing locations. Here, we feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow.

Are you ready to love your job?

The adventure begins right here, with you, at SITA.

You are a strategic thinker with a strong ability to operate independently and drive complex initiatives forward. You bring a structured approach to innovation, with the ability to identify and build new partnership models that deliver measurable business impact. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing senior stakeholders, and translating ideas into executable strategies. Your experience enables you to define joint value propositions, develop commercial frameworks, and unlock synergies across the Air Transport IT ecosystem.

You are proactive, analytical, and focused on outcomes.

As Strategic Partnership Development Senior Manager, you will lead the development of new partnership models that support SITA’s evolving business strategy. This includes identifying strategic opportunities, engaging with external partners such as system integrators, and co-creating joint offerings that address industry challenges—such as an IT outsourcing proposition for airports. You will be responsible for shaping value propositions, structuring commercial arrangements, and working cross-functionally to bring new solutions to market.

The role requires a high level of autonomy, strategic insight, and the ability to influence across internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop and execute comprehensive partnership strategies that drive mutual value and support SITA’s growth and innovation agenda.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partners aligned with SITA’s goals, including those supporting diversity, sustainability, and responsible business practices.
• Lead negotiations and structure agreements that unlock long-term commercial and strategic value.

• Continuously propose innovative partnership concepts with a digital and data-driven focus.
• Identify future-proof pain points in the Air Transport industry and co-create IT-enabled solutions with partners.
• Design new value propositions and commercial models in collaboration with external stakeholders.

• Collaborate with internal teams across product, marketing, sales, finance, and legal to ensure strategic alignment and execution.
• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.

• Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of partnerships, adjusting strategies to optimize outcomes.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management across all partnership engagements.

• Represent SITA in external forums, industry events, and partner engagements to build visibility and credibility.
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and C-level executives across partner organizations.

• 10–20% international travel required.

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, IT Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic partnership development or related roles.
• Ideally with experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, or alike.
• Experience in the Air Transport or travel-related industry.

• Deep understanding of Travel & Transport industry operations and challenges.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional negotiation and communication abilities.
• Proven track record of…