Partnerships are no longer optional for SaaS companies. As we head into 2026, they’re a necessary engine for growth and success — which is why PartnerStack and Wynter’s The State of Partnerships in GTM 2026 report revealed that 69 per cent of SaaS companies planned to increase their investment in partnerships this year.
At the same time, AI is reshaping how partner ecosystems are built and scaled. That means partnerships teams are expanding to include more specialized, tech-savvy roles, creating additional opportunities along the way.
If you’re curious about what types of jobs are growing in the new year, keep scrolling to learn more about 10 of the hottest partnerships roles for 2026, including what they do, why they’re in demand and what professionals can expect to earn, based on current market data from Glassdoor and similar platforms.
Why these partnerships roles are growing faster
Partnerships scale more efficiently than traditional growth channels, which is why they’re an essential part of any SaaS company. Looking to the future, AI accelerates those partnerships by enabling automation, personalization and deeper integration across the partner ecosystem.
Roles that combine strategic thinking, relationship management and technical skills are commanding higher salaries, particularly those tied to AI partnerships and ecosystem development. Many of these SaaS jobs also offer remote or hybrid flexibility, reflecting the global nature of modern partnerships.
The top 10 jobs in B2B SaaS partnerships in 2026
Partner Manager
Partner managers remain essential roles for most SaaS partnership programs. As a partner manager, you are responsible for recruiting, onboarding and growing relationships with partners in your program. In 2026, that scope will continue to grow as employees in partner manager roles work cross-functionally. They will also use AI-powered insights to help target high-impact partners and co-selling models that will influence scale and revenue. As such, experienced partner managers continue to be in high demand.
Average salary: $110,000–$140,000
Read more: Partner account manager: what you need to know.
Channel Account Manager
Channel account managers are responsible for managing indirect revenue through resellers, agencies and solution providers. In B2B SaaS partnerships, channel account managers are required to expand reach without increasing headcount. Because of that, AI tools are essential for these roles, as they help automate processes and forecast performance. Channel account managers who can balance data-driven decision-making with relationship building in 2026 will be in high demand.
Average salary: $95,000–$130,000
Strategic Alliances Director
Strategic alliances leaders focus on a small number of big, high-stakes partnerships. These usually include major platforms, hyperscalers or category-defining SaaS companies. In 2026, these roles will be important for long-term product direction and go-to-market strategy. Strategic alliances directors work closely with product, sales and executive teams to shape a company’s roadmap, lead complex co-selling motions and keep an eye out for AI partnerships with inroads into new markets. It’s one of the most influential and senior roles in a SaaS partnerships organization.
Average salary: $150,000–$200,000
Partner Marketing Manager
Partner marketing managers are responsible for generating demand while growing ecosystems, whether through co-branding campaigns and events or sales materials and educational content. As AI improves, partner marketing is becoming more measurable, particularly as people in these roles are asked to build strategic relationships and blend their marketing experience with new ventures. SaaS companies are increasingly investing in marketing leaders who can align partner messaging with broader go-to-market strategies.
Average salary: $100,000–$130,000
AI Partnerships Manager
Perhaps one of the fastest-growing partnership roles heading into 2026, AI partnerships managers focus on relationships with AI vendors, data providers and model platforms. The role often includes overseeing joint integrations, co-marketing initiatives and shared customer solutions. The job differs from traditional partnership roles in that it requires knowledge of AI and AI concepts, as well as automation and interfaces, which makes it attractive to professionals hoping to secure their future careers.
Average salary: $140,000–$180,000
See more: The best tech jobs for you based on your zodiac sign.
AI Ecosystem Development Manager
AI ecosystem development managers build and scale networks of developers, vendors and integration partners around AI-powered products. To be successful, these roles require a balance of business development and technical enablement. Given that many SaaS companies include partner ecosystems that directly influence product adoption and customer success, this role is also valuable. That’s particularly true as AI ecosystems grow more complex.
Average salary: $150,000–$200,000
Partner Solutions Architect
Partner solutions architects help partners understand, implement and sell AI-driven solutions. They support pre-sales conversations, design integrations and serve as technical advisors across the partner ecosystem. Individuals in this role need strong technical skills, but they also need to be able to communicate and collaborate with sales and customer success teams. It’s a unique blend of skillsets that translates into one of the highest-paying SaaS jobs.
Average salary: $160,000–$220,000+
Agentic Workflow Partnerships Lead
AI systems are no longer experimental, and so SaaS companies are hiring leaders to manage partnerships around agentic workflows — those AI-driven processes in which autonomous agents make decisions and execute tasks. As such, this role requires someone who can identify integration opportunities and co-build automated workflows with partners. Agentic workflow partnership leads may also need to break down go-to-market strategies in complex use cases. This is a new but critical role in more advanced ecosystems.
Average salary: $170,000–$220,000+
AI Compliance & Data Partnership Manager
As AI continues to grow and companies grapple with proper data use and storage, SaaS companies are also facing increased regulatory requirements. That’s why they need partnership leaders who can manage compliance-focused relationships and ensure data privacy, governance and security. In this role, managers work closely with product teams, legal and security.
Average salary: $130,000–$180,000
Ecosystem Operations & Strategy Manager
Ecosystem operations managers focus on partnership infrastructures, from systems and processes to analytics and tools that keep programs running smoothly. In 2026, as AI plays a larger role in automated reporting and partner performance forecasting, these roles are in high demand. They’re ideal for partnership professionals who enjoy building scalable systems that support long-term growth and optimize resources.
Average salary: $120,000–$160,000
Key skills and qualifications to stand out
Whether you’re looking at a traditional or AI-focused partnership role, employers often seek leaders who can blend strategic thinking with execution. Understanding SaaS business models and ecosystems is just the start. Successful candidates should demonstrate strong technical skills in AI, APIs and automation.
Relationship management is also crucial, as success often depends on the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams. That includes sales, product, marketing and engineering. Data literacy is another must-have, as partnership leaders are expected to make analytical and performance-driven decisions.
Finally, the ability to co-build go-to-market strategies with internal stakeholders and external partners is what sets high-impact partnership professionals apart.
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How to move into a better partnerships role in 2026
The hottest B2B SaaS partnership roles for 2026 reflect a clear shift: partnerships are no longer just about relationships, but about systems, integrations and intelligence. Professionals who invest in professional development around AI, data and automation will be best positioned to move into higher-impact, higher-paying roles. For anyone building a long-term career in partnerships, the opportunity has never been bigger — or more technical!
