Partners Business Development Representative (BDR)

About Customer.io

Over 8,000 companies — from scrappy startups to global brands — use our platform to send billions of emails, push notifications, in-app messages, and SMS every day. Customer.io powers automated communication that people actually want to receive. We help teams send smarter, more relevant messages using real-time behavioral data.

About the role

Hi, my name is Chris and I manage the EMEA Partnerships program here at Customer.io. We are looking for a Partnerships Business Development Representative (BDR) to help us expand and activate our global partner network.

As a Partnerships BDR, you’ll play a critical role in growing and strengthening Customer.io’s agency and technology partner ecosystem. You’ll proactively identify and engage new agencies to join our partner program, manage inbound partner interest, and re-engage dormant or idle partners to unlock new collaboration opportunities.

You’ll work closely with Partnerships, Marketing, and Sales to drive a partner-sourced pipeline and increase attendance at strategic partner events throughout the year.

We don’t expect you to be an expert from day one. What matters most is your curiosity, commercial mindset, and ability to build strong relationships. We’ll support you as you grow into the role.

What we value

• Commercial thinking. We care about impact. This role ultimately exists to generate pipeline and revenue through partners.

• Curiosity over scripts. We’d rather you understand an agency’s business model than run a perfect sequence.

• Thoughtful outreach. Personalization beats volume. Relevance beats noise.

• Ownership. You’ll have targets. We expect you to treat them seriously, and we’ll support you in hitting them.

• Resilience. Partners don’t always respond the first time. Or the second.

• Collaboration. Partnerships only work when Sales, Marketing, and Partner teams move together.

What you’ll do

• Prospect and engage agencies aligned with our ICP.

• Start conversations with agency founders and leaders, and earn the right to a second one.

• Qualify inbound partner interest and help strong-fit partners move forward.

• Re-engage inactive or underutilized partners to uncover new collaboration opportunities.

• Support, and occasionally attend, partner events and ecosystem initiatives alongside Marketing and Sales.

• Contribute to partner-sourced pipeline goals, and see the impact of your work on real revenue.

What We’re Looking for

• You have 2–4 years of experience in business development, outbound sales, or partnerships (SaaS experience helps).

• You’re comfortable initiating conversations and building relationships with agency founders and senior stakeholders.

• You communicate clearly and concisely — especially in writing.

• You’re resilient. Rejection doesn’t throw you off your game.

• You’re organized and able to manage multiple conversations without losing momentum.

• You’re motivated by targets and measurable outcomes.

• You’re curious about how partner ecosystems work and how revenue gets built through them.

• You enjoy working cross-functionally and collaborating with Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships.

• You’re excited to grow into Partner Management or broader ecosystem roles over time.

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in transparency. The OTE for this role is $93,000 (or equivalent in local currency) depending on experience and subject to market rate adjustment.

We know our people are what make us great, and we’re committed to taking great care of them. Our inclusive benefits package supports your well-being and growth, including 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, mental health, and supplemental insurance premiums for you and your family. We also offer 16 weeks paid parental leave, unlimited PTO, stipends for remote work and wellness, a professional development budget, and more.

See full benefits here →

Our Process

No gotchas, no trick questions - just a clear, human process designed to help both of us make an informed decision.

• 30-minute video call with a Recruiter

• 45-minute video call with the Hiring Manager

• Take Home Assignment

• Assignment Review Call with two Business Development Managers

All final candidates will be asked to complete a background check and employment verifications as part of our pre-employment process.

Customer.io recognizes the stifling impact of systemic injustice on diverse communities. We commit to using our influence to increase inclusion and equity within the tech industry. We strive to build an inclusive team culture, implement bias-free hiring practices, and develop community partnerships to expand our global impact.

Zoom is the only video conference platform that we use, virtual interviews will be conducted using the video capability (i.e., not via the chat), and offers will be extended in writing on official Customer.io letterhead. Please be vigilant in all of your job search activity, and if you have any questions please contact [email protected].

Join us!

Check out our careers page for more information about why you should come work with us! We believe in empathy, transparency, responsibility, and, yes, a little awkwardness. If you’re excited by what you read — apply now.