Senior Manager, Partnerships
About Us:
Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.
About the Role:
HavocAI is seeking a Senior Manager, Partnerships to design, build, and scale a world-class partner ecosystem across shipbuilders, vehicle OEMs, defense primes, integrators, sensor providers, cloud/data platforms, and government stakeholders. This role is equal parts strategist, deal-maker, and project manager—owning partner identification, relationship development, joint go-to-market motions, capture strategy, and execution through signed agreements and deployed programs. You will work cross-functionally with Business Development, Programs, Engineering, Product, Marketing, and Operations to turn partnerships into revenue-generating programs.
Key Responsibilities and Requirements:
Partner Strategy & Ecosystem Development
Develop and execute HavocAI’s partnership strategy across maritime, land, and air domains.
Identify and prioritize strategic partners, including systems integrators, OEMs, autonomy-adjacent technology providers, and sensor companies.
Build multi-year partnership roadmaps tied to revenue, pipeline growth, and product integration.
Create repeatable onboarding processes for smaller partners to reduce operational load on internal teams.
Deal Structuring & Agreements
Lead negotiations for MOUs, teaming agreements, reseller and integrator agreements, joint development agreements, and strategic alliances.
Partner with Legal and Finance to structure commercially viable, scalable partnership models.
Drive partner onboarding and establish governance frameworks.
Joint Go-to-Market & Capture
Create joint go-to-market plans with partners, including target customers, campaigns, demonstrations, proposals, and events.
Support major defense captures and commercial pursuits in coordination with Business Development and Sales.
Shape partner participation in exercises, pilots, and demonstrations.
Execution & Operations
Serve as the internal quarterback for active partnerships, ensuring commitments are delivered across product integration, marketing, and field programs.
Establish operating cadence, including QBRs, executive reviews, pipeline reviews, and integration roadmaps.
Market Intelligence & Expansion
Monitor ecosystem trends, competitor alliances, and emerging technology partners.
Recommend new partnership categories and routes to market.
Qualifications:
6–12+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, alliances, or strategic programs, preferably in software, robotics, autonomy, defense, or enterprise technology.
Experience with defense contracting.
Demonstrated success building partner ecosystems from scratch or scaling them in high-growth environments.
Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial and government-adjacent agreements.
Experience working with defense primes, OEMs, integrators, or government customers.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence without authority.
Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
Must be able to travel up to 50%, mostly Domestic, International potential
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and capture strategy.
Experience supporting classified or sensitive programs, as appropriate.
Background in autonomous systems, maritime platforms, ISR/MDA, robotics, or data platforms.
MBA or advanced technical degree.
What Success Looks Like:
A prioritized, scalable partner ecosystem that supports HavocAI’s growth strategy.
Multiple joint pipeline opportunities and wins sourced or influenced by partners.
Repeatable partner onboarding and operating processes.
High-impact demonstrations and fielded programs executed with partners.
Benefits:
100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
Equity Package
Work / Home Office Stipend
Global Entry
16 Week Paid Parental Leave
Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend
Our Values:
Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.
Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.
HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.