[JOB POSTING] Senior Manager, IT Influencer Relations / SAP (Palo Alto, CA)

Senior Manager, IT Influencer Relations

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
As a part of Global Communications, IT Influencer Relations is responsible for driving the strategy, communications and overall relationships with leading IT industry influencers (primarily made up of industry analysts).
EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS
Reporting to the Director of IT Influencer Relations the position is responsible for the execution of strategic and tactical industry influencer plans for SAP’s Technology Portfolio –consisting of the entire SAP NetWeaver Platform and future products and innovations for the Technology and Innovation Board Area. The candidate will be adept at managing product communications programs, managing communications with senior executives, and will work in concert with the Director of IT Influencer Relations, Solution Management, Solution Marketing, Development as well as Competitive Market Intelligence (CMI), Field Marketing, and the sales organization’s global customer reference program to shape messaging and prepare vehicles for
communicating SAP’s products and services to the IT influencer audience. Provide counsel to communicate and coordinate product direction to the industry influencers, funnel feedback and opinions to adjust SAP’s business messages and strategy, and create remarkable and positive perceptions of SAP industries and products with influencers in an effort to generate continued license revenue growth through industry influencer recommendations directed toward prospects and existing customers.
•Responsible for aiding in development and execution of product communications to the IT Industry Influencer community
•Responsible for Technology Portfolio specific Tier 1 influencer relationships as well as with those key Tier 2 and 3 influencers that impact SAP’s activities globally and regionally
•Generate opportunities for SAP to utilize influencer knowledge for product launches and positioning to ensure successful go-to-market programs through the appropriate use of consulting and briefing
•Work with solution/product management and marketing to determine areas of focus, executing on the strategic plan for influencer engagement
•Create, maintain and manage tiered list of solution specific influencers, plus account plans for each firm and influencer maintained
•Execution of ongoing influencer engagement programs including numerous annual magic quadrants and waves.
•Manage and execute a global industry influencer communications program designed to further SAP’s business objectives
•Execution of events like SAPPHIRE, TechEd, Influencer Summit, and other applicable SAP and industry events
•Work collaboratively within Global Communications to promote a unified communications service strategy for internal customers e.g., Media Relations, SAPINFO, Corporate PR, etc. as it pertains to a specific area of responsibility
•Collaborate with the Global Customer Reference program to leverage positive customer references for the industry influencer community for the benefit of SAP in reports, short list recommendations and though leadership activities within the assigned area of responsibility
•Work collaboratively with the regional field communications teams to provide context to influencer related communications to the field.

Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Job Location: Palo Alto, California USA
Reference Code: US-53813912-EN-10-002
Senior Manager, IT Influencer Relations
EEO m/f

WORK EXPERIENCE
•5-7 years IT Influencer Relations (or Analyst Relations) or equivalent experience preferably within the information technology industry – measurable qualities in each of the following disciplines: sales, marketing, program and project management, relationship management, and consulting
•Self-starter with a high degree of confidence, aptitude and self-motivation
•Strong skills at managing multiple projects concurrently with minimal supervision and ability to navigate a complex technology organization.
•Experience managing relationships with IT industry influencers
•Superior communication skills (both written and verbal) with a proven ability to proactively manage a variety of challenging situations in a fast-paced environment
•Ability to recognize political ramifications of different market analyses and conclusions and to communicate appropriate findings and next steps with tact
•Strong customer service attitude with the right balance of being a strategic advisor to the business and understanding when to push back appropriately.
•Requires both domestic and international travel approximately 20-30%.

Please note that SAP only accepts applications submitted via our online recruiting system. Individuals with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation in the job application process
should contact HR Direct (Americas: hrdirectamericas@sap.com, APJ: hrdirectapj@sap.com, EMEA: careers@sap.com)
EEO m/f

Link to SAP’s website.

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