Manager of Strategic Partnerships

Firestorm Sales & Business Development

San Diego, CA, USA

USD 120k-140k / year + Equity

Posted on Aug 7, 2026

Manager of Strategic Partnerships

San Diego, CA

Business Development

Hybrid

Full-time

Firestorm is hiring a Manager of Strategic Partnerships who will align strategic initiatives with the company strategy and growth objectives, establishing a standardized framework to distinguish vendors from partners, categorize strategic relationships, and manage partnerships as a deliberate ecosystem.

• Current active partners
• Partnerships in progress that we intend to formalize
• Companies we are actively pursuing as future partners

• Expand our reach across industry and government by developing relationships with manufacturers and other key partners that will ensure the company’s ability to scale as needs arise around the globe
• Manage large subcontract opportunities
• Research, investigate, develop and add new partners that will amplify Firestorm’s product reach
• Develop relationships with OEMs that will continually strengthen Firestorm’s product offering
• Build a scalable partnership database of former, current and future partners
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with leading organizations supporting common interests that are beneficial to both parties
• Manage C-suite relationships and influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority
• Identify and vet new enterprise alliances, channel programs, and vendor networks that support mutual growth objectives
• Lead deal structuring, commercial terms, and contract finalization in coordination with legal and finance teams
• Collaborate with Sales, Product, and Marketing to launch integrated solutions, co-selling motions, and joint marketing campaigns
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate partnership ROI and operational health
• Perform other duties as needed

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or related field. In lieu of a degree, 9+ years of progressive related experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• 3+ years of experience in business development, strategic alliances/partnerships or partner management within tech, aerospace or defense industries
• Experience structuring, negotiating, and closing complex partnership agreements across diverse partner types
• Project management experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, coordinating across internal and external teams
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Experience working in a startup environment
• Strong background in P&L structures, contract negotiation, and driving recurring revenue or pipeline growth
• PMP certification
• Experience with UAS platforms
• Masters degree in related field

Firestorm is a defense technology company solving one of the hardest logistics problems in modern warfare — how do you manufacture what you need, when you need it, and where you need it without support from traditional supply chains? Our answer is xCell: containerized, deployable manufacturing units built around advanced additive and traditional manufacturing that go where warfighters go. We're roughly 150 people, headquartered in San Diego, and we're past concept — xCell systems are in the field in both OCONUS and CONUS today and our development pipeline is aggressive.

• Position is working in a Hybrid capacity at our San Diego, CA. Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Travel up to 20% to the various partnerships

• Base salary: $120,000 - $140,000 base, commensurate with experience
• Equity:
  Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative,…