Alliance Partner Investment Lead

EY has curated a dynamic ecosystem of Alliance and Ecosystem relationships which creates new forms of customer value to help our clients rapidly and digitally transform. Our ecosystem consists of more than 100 relationships which allow us to provide a wide range of collaborative opportunities and solutions to our clients. We help them tap into the latest technologies to achieve transformational outcomes and be more agile, innovative, resilient and better equipped to respond to disruptive change. 

The opportunity                                                                                                                

The Alliance Partner Investment Leader is responsible for developing and managing EY's investment programs with strategic alliance partners. This role involves navigating the complexities of EY as a regulated entity, ensuring compliance, and fostering strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners. The Alliance Partner Investment Leader will play a critical role in maximizing the value derived from alliances and supporting the firm’s growth in a competitive market. This is a great opportunity to work with diverse teams globally and contribute to the strategic direction of EY’s investment initiatives.

Your key responsibilities

Your role will sit within the Alliance and Ecosystem Relationship team, focusing on enhancing investment strategies and governance related to partner investments. The Alliance Partner Investment Leader is designed for an individual passionate about driving investment initiatives and fostering collaboration. Your primary responsibilities will include

• Chair Alliance Partner Investment Board: Lead the Alliance Partner Investment Board to devise strategies for effectively utilizing partner investments.
• Establish Investment Policies: Develop global policies and operating procedures for forming new investment relationships, ensuring compliance with global and local regulations while balancing business needs.
• Oversee Region Investment Leads: Manage Region Investment Leads to activate partner investment programs within their respective regions.
• Collaboration with Alliance Teams: Work with Alliance teams to understand, evaluate, and approve available partner investment programs.
• Investment Framework Development: Create and publish an Investment Framework to educate EY on how to operate and accept direct investments from alliance partners.
• Communications Strategy Development: Develop and execute a communications strategy to share partner investments across service lines, industries, and regions.
• Collaboration with Key Functions: Work closely with GCO, Risk Management, and Independence functions to evaluate investment programs and align them with regulations and defined policies.
• Participation Assessment: Assess and manage participation in partner investment programs, ensuring alignment with EY's strategic objectives.
• Standardized Processes: Develop standardized processes with Procurement for executing investment activities, including invoicing and accounts payable.
• Localization of Agreements: Collaborate with local countries and local GCO to localize investment agreements at the country level.
• Governance of Investment Programs: Oversee investment programs, including rebates and referral fees, ensuring comprehensive evaluation and adherence to processes to safely manage the acceptance of such fees.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Track and report on KPIs, including year-over-year growth of partner investments, increased usage of partner investments across each EY region, and activation of more programs.

This role is based in the US or UK, with a mix of virtual work and regular coordination with team members globally. Some travel may be required.

Skills and attributes for success

To qualify for the role, you must have:

• Alliance Management Experience: Background in alliance management or business development, particularly related to technology or professional services.
• Partner Investment Management Experience: Proven experience in managing partner investment programs within a large consultancy or professional services firm.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of regulatory requirements applicable to a global accounting firm.
• Strategic Execution: Ability to define and execute strategies for investment programs and communicate these strategies to various stakeholders.
• Networking and Influence: Strong networking and influence management skills that drive actions to outcomes across organizational boundaries.
• Communication Skills: Highly credible communicator with excellent organizational and project management skills, capable of defining and mapping complex processes.
• Understanding of Financial Standards: Knowledge of financial accounting standards, legal risks, and commercial risks associated with investments.
• Policy Implementation: Familiarity with EY regulations and policies, with the ability to assess and implement new policies effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to track and analyze KPIs, identifying trends and areas for improvement in investment performance.
• Leadership Experience: Experience in leading teams and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges and propose effective solutions.

What we look for:

• A self-starter who can work independently while effectively communicating progress and challenges with the team.
• Comfortable escalating complex issues with well-thought-out recommendations to leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in support of multiple projects at a time.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities, cultures, and working styles, adjusting your approach to foster collaboration.
• A collaborative mindset that values input from others and seeks to build strong relationships across various teams and functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum twelve (12) years of experience in consulting services or consultative business development, with at least eight (8) years managing or developing strategic alliances, including investment activities.