Introduction A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. Youu2019ll work with leading companies across industries in the DACH region, helping them shape their hybrid cloud, platform engineering, and AI-enabled application operations journeys. With support from IBM technology, strategic partners, and Red Hat, you will be equipped to deliver predictable, high-quality outcomes and accelerate client impact. Curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning are core to success, supported by a culture that emphasizes growth, empathy, and long-term career development. Your role and responsibilities As an Associate Partner, you will leverage your expertise to develop new business opportunities and lead client acceptance of IBM terms and conditions for services delivery. You will utilize your deep knowledge of complex services engagements to solve business problems in the clientu2019s industry, with a particular focus on large-scale Application Operations (AOP) and Application Management Services (AMS) transformations across all sectors using the latest service, delivery models infused the latest AI and Agentic AI assets. You will act as a senior thought leader for productivity-driven, AI-enabled application operations and autonomous IT using the assets from IBM Consulting Advantage platform. Your primary responsibilities will include: Develop New Business Opportunities: Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the rapidly evolving IT landscape of the DACH region, creatively participating in the development of AOP and AMS solutions that address accelerated cloud adoption, increasing application landscape complexity, AI-driven automation, and the reduction of technical debt using various productivity and efficiency levers. Shape deals that enable clients to transition from traditional application management to intelligent, outcome-based operations while supporting enterprise-wide digital transformation agendas. Establish Trusted Client Relationships: Build and maintain trusted, long-term executive-level client relationships by articulating end-to-end AOP value propositions and positioning IBM as a strategic partner rather than a commodity service provider. Establish strong collaboration models with other IBM service lines, delivery centers, and strategic partners to ensure integrated, high-quality delivery of complex services engagements. Thought Leader and Contribute to Intellectual Capital: Contribute to the growth of intellectual capital within the AOP and AMS practice by developing reusable assets, GTM approaches, and points of view around Generative AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, agile delivery, and automation in application operations. Support the development of other consultants and leaders through mentoring, coaching, and active participation in community and practice leadership. Develop Proposals and Contracts: Draft, shape, and review responses to Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposal (RFP), IBM contracts, and IBM Statements of Work for complex, multi-tower AMS and AOP engagements. Ensure alignment with contractual, commercial, and risk requirements while leading clients to acceptance of IBM terms and conditions in large-scale, transformational deals. Drive Business Growth: Provide strong assistance to IBM in winning new AOP and AMS business across all units by building a robust pipeline, securing new contracts, and driving market leadership in the DACH region. Leverage industry expertise, delivery credibility, and executive presence to win client trust and confidence, particularly in highly regulated and mission-critical environments. Required technical and professional expertise The proposed senior leadership role is critical to driving Application Management Services (AMS) and Application Operations (AOP) market leadership across DACH by shaping strategy, leading major transformation engagements, and ensuring flawless execution across complex, multi-country delivery models. This role has a primary focus on the German-speaking regions. The candidate will be responsible for building a strong AOP and AMS pipeline and securing new contracts across all units and industries. The role requires a unique blend of proven experience in shaping application services deals in the era of agile delivery, automation, and AI, German language fluency, and a strong track record of winning deals with hybrid teams composed of onshore resources and global delivery centers, particularly in Eastern Europe and India. The role demands strong client-facing consulting acumen, executive communication skills, and demonstrated experience in building trusted relationships with Associate Partner, Partner, and Account Leadership teams. The candidate must have experience in shaping AMS and AOP deals across a broad technology landscape, including major ISVs such as SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce and concepts of Autonomous AMS / AIOPs as well as customer-specific and bespoke technologies. Experience in the Industrial and Distribution sectors is preferred. Prior AMS delivery experience is welcomed, as is experience in cloud platform engineering services, though this is not mandatory. Preferred technical and professional experience Deep Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of multiple industries, with the ability to articulate solutions and establish strong relationships with other areas of IBM used in the delivery of complex services. Advanced Contract Negotiation: Expertise in drafting and reviewing complex contracts, including responses to Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposal (RFP). Business Development Expertise: Experience in creatively participating in the development of solutions, and providing strong assistance to IBM in the winning of new business. 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.