Alliance Operations Manager

Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that delivers unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For over 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios.

With 16,000+ teammates across 50+ global offices, we bring together diverse expertise : 5,000+ technologists and engineers, 4,500+ data analysts and scientists, 3,000+ strategists and operators, 2,500+ loyalty and engagement experts, and 1,000+ designers and UX professionals. As part of Dentsu, we combine media and creative excellence with data, CX, and technology depth to deliver end-to-end solutions.

The Alliance Operations Manager plays a key role in supporting the operational success of our strategic alliance partnerships, with an initial focus on Adobe and Salesforce. This role partners closely with Alliance Partner Managers, Growth Operations, Marketing, and Sales teams to manage partner programs, support alliance governance, maintain partner compliance requirements, and drive operational processes that enable partner growth across the Americas region. This is a hybrid opportunity based in our Detroit office, with in-office and remote work expectations aligned with dentsu's flexible working model. You will report into the Senior Director, Growth Operations.

The ideal candidate brings experience supporting partner, channel, alliance, or program operations and enjoys coordinating cross-functional initiatives, managing operational processes, and building scalable programs. Success in this role requires strong organization, stakeholder collaboration, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational programs that support strategic alliance partnerships, including deal registrations, market development funds (MDF), co-op funding, referral programs, and partner benefit administration.
• Support partner lifecycle operations, including program enrollment, certifications, specializations, compliance requirements, and partner tier management.
• Serve as an administrator for partner portals and partnership technology platforms, ensuring program requirements, partner information, and system access are maintained accurately.
• Partner with Alliance Partner Managers to coordinate business reviews, planning activities, partner communications, and strategic alliance initiatives.
• Collaborate with Growth Operations, Marketing, and Sales teams to support partner marketing efforts, events, campaigns, lead management, and enablement activities.
• Develop and maintain training materials, documentation, and operational resources for alliance teams and internal stakeholders.
• Support alliance reporting and operational reviews by maintaining accurate partner and program information within CRM and alliance systems.
• Investigate operational issues, resolve process-related challenges, and recommend improvements that enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to streamline alliance operations, strengthen governance processes, and improve the overall partner experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in partner operations, alliance operations, channel operations, sales operations, business operations, program management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting operational programs, workflows, or business processes across multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Experience working with partner programs, channel ecosystems, alliance initiatives, or customer-facing operational functions.
• Experience working with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar systems.
• Strong organizational, project coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting alliance, partner, channel, or technology partnership programs.
• Familiarity with Adobe, Salesforce, or similar technology partner ecosystems.
• Experience managing partner portals, certifications, specializations, tiering programs, or compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting partner enablement, partner marketing, or alliance program operations.
• Experience with partnership management platforms such as Crossbeam or similar tools.
• Familiarity with AI productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies.

The annual salary range for this position is $82,500-$110,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits available with this position include

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance,
• Life insurance,
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance,
• 401k,
• Flexible paid time off,
• At least 15 paid holidays per year,
• Paid sick and safe leave,
• Paid parental leave.

Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com .

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-Merkle #LI-CP1

Location

Detroit - 3000 Town Center

Brand

Merkle

Time Type

Full time

Contract Type

Permanent

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color , national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to ApplicantAccommodations@dentsu.com by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.