Startup Program Manager

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'l collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

Within IBM Quantum, the Ecosystem Team is an elite team serving partners as they integrate IBM's quantum computing stack into their software solutions and services to tackle today's business challenges. We keep our partners up to date with the latest technical advances, and make sure they are empowered to use our technology.

In the role of Startup Program Manager, you will be a part of this fast-paced team, responsible for the success of a portfolio of startups achieved through delivery excellence. You will develop strong, lasting relationships with your startups and identify, report, and execute on growth opportunities. You will be given autonomy and flexibility in the performance of your role and are expected to make meaningful contributions to our business and partners’ success.

Responsibilities include:

• Program Management: Execute the go-to-market strategies of the IBM Quantum startup program across our motions build, service & sell.

• Partner Delivery Execution: Execute startup deliverables, including onboarding, enablement, contract renewal operations, and creation of scalable marketing/partner communications collateral to achieve partner milestones and elevate partner satisfaction.

• Partner Relationship Management: Serve as the primary IBM Quantum point of contact for your startups, building strong relationships by understanding their needs, expectations, and navigating organizational complexities, ensuring high partner satisfaction throughout the contract.

Successful attributes

• Ability to effectively navigate a variety of cultures and organizational complexities to build trust and connection for stakeholder and startup relationship management, working with senior executives, researchers, and legal within both IBM and the partner organization.

• Possess exceptional project management skills with the ability to ruthlessly prioritize based on business needs/impact.

• Possess business acumen of marketing strategy, business strategy, and operations.

• A self-led learner with an independent growth mindset, able to absorb new technical and business concepts quickly and thoroughly.

• Skilled at fostering teamwork with both external and internal individuals.

• An exceptional communicator, presenter, and persuader.

• Excitement for the emerging field of quantum computing.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Bachelors, and or degree in STEM or adjacent field

• 2+ years of experience in business or technology strategy consulting or similar client facing role

• Client relationship development and management with demonstrable skillful management of a range of client interactions

• Project management skills with a commitment to be highly organized, determination to meet deadlines, and delivery excellence

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders irrespective of culture, location, and professional background

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Masters, and or degree in STEM or adjacent field

• Experience executing change management

• Experience in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities

• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects across geos

• Experience delivering business strategy proposal(s) and/or execution

• Familiarity with quantum computing

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.