Client Partnership Manager

At Athena, we're building the future of executive support—where extraordinary Executive Partners (XPs) become the strategic force behind some of the most ambitious founders, business owners and creators, and leaders on the planet. This is your chance to elevate your career, expand your potential, and do work that meaningfully improves how people live and work.

About The Role

As a Client Partnerships Manager (CPM), you'll be the strategic bridge between our clients and Executive Partners (XPs), ensuring partnerships that drive growth and innovation. You'll take ownership of complex client relationships, navigate critical situations, and unlock the full potential of our partnerships. This role demands exceptional relationship-building skills, business acumen, and the ability to think strategically under pressure — qualities that will accelerate your professional growth and establish you as a trusted leader.

You'll Work Directly With Successful Professionals Who Have

• Built thriving businesses from the ground up
• Founded venture-backed companies and raised millions in capital
• Created popular podcasts, content, and media platforms
• Balanced demanding careers while raising families
• Achieved remarkable success across diverse industries

Where You'll Work: The Athena Hub Model

We operate through a system of regional Hubs: vibrant, in-person communities designed to deliver exceptional service, deepen collaboration, and accelerate careers. This role is part of our Quezon City Hub, and you must live within 80km to be eligible.

What The Hub Unlocks For You

• Intensive Onboarding: Two weeks of immersive, onsite training, because great partnerships start with deep preparation.
• Ongoing Development: Monthly Hub days and learning sessions to sharpen skills and strengthen connections.
• Community & Culture: Surround yourself with ambitious, values-aligned peers who raise the bar, and have your back.
• Rapid Responsiveness: You should be able to report onsite within ~2 hours when needed, depending on location.

What You'll Master

• Leadership Responsibilities: You'll lead a team of 10–15 Executive Partners, providing both performance guidance and strategic coaching to ensure excellence in client delivery.
• People and Relationship Development: Build meaningful, lasting relationships while gaining deep insights into clients' business and personal goals to perfectly match Executive Partner strengths with client needs.
• Client and Crisis Management: Develop deep expertise in client partnerships that positions you as the reliable leader who ensures seamless client experiences, even in the most challenging situations.
• Business Acumen and Strategic Planning: Determine how Athena and Executive Partners can help clients reach their goals while optimizing partnership benefits.
• Negotiation Skills: Prioritize Athena's business interests and profitability while seeking mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Evaluate different options to make sound judgments that benefit all parties involved.
• Communication Skills: Foster client engagement and trust through effective communication across all interactions.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts diplomatically, creating positive outcomes and maintaining productive relationships.
• Leadership: Lead by example, providing guidance, direction, and support to team members while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Global Experience: Navigate cultural nuances and manage partnerships on a global scale, supporting clients across countries and time zones.
• Operations and Client Relationship Experience: Combine operational expertise with client relationship management to optimize processes and enhance client satisfaction.
• Performance Management and Accountability: Set clear goals, track metrics, and hold individuals and teams accountable for exceptional results.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments while adjusting strategies as needed for success.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including Executive Partners and clients, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Support and Development: Provide one-on-one coaching sessions, facilitate regular skill-building workshops, and deliver tailored feedback.

Core Competencies

• Performance Management: Skill in optimizing operational and relationship-driven performance, establishing objectives, and ensuring accountability.
• Decision-Making: Proficiency in resolving client escalations and utilizing critical thinking to address challenges effectively.
• Communication: Ability to cultivate collaborative relationships and drive project completion through effective coordination.
• Client Relationship Management: Expertise in nurturing long-term client relationships and managing escalations to ensure satisfaction.
• Adaptability: Proficiency in adjusting to change and maintaining operational success through evolving circumstances.
• Punctuality: Ensures responsiveness within shifts, attends critical meetings, and communicates updates in a timely manner.
• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates analytical skills to oversee performance management, handle escalations, and implement risk mitigation strategies.

You're a Fit If You

• Communicate with polish, discretion, and confidence across cultures
• Think critically and solve complex problems independently
• Excel at coaching and professional development of team members
• Are skilled in cross-functional stakeholder management and performance management
• Can conduct root-cause analysis and create actionable improvement plans
• Are willing to work non-traditional hours to match your client's schedule, as many of our clients operate during US business hours
• Have proven experience in partnership management and business development
• Possess exceptional negotiation and contract management skills
• Think strategically with focus on market trends and collaboration opportunities
• Can commit fully to this role — no part-time jobs or side hustles
• Thrives in environments where priorities shift quickly, excellence is expected in every interaction, and high-performing teams are the norm

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or MBA is advantageous
• Have minimum 2 years of experience collaborating across different cultures and time zones
• Have 2+ years of people management experience in a leadership capacity

What Athena Offers

• Career advancement opportunities in our global organization
• Access to our 3,000+ global support network
• Metis College: Access a fully sponsored MBA through our exclusive partnership with Woolf University and Oxford.