Associate Partner - Application Modernization

Introduction

We are seeking an Associate Partner to own the go-to-market strategy for Application Modernization across the Distribution Sector (Retail, CPG, and Travel & Transportation). This role blends commercial ownership — revenue, client engagement, and market presence — with deep technical credibility in agentic modernization, agentic SDLC, and process optimization. You will be the face of our Application Modernization offering to enterprise clients, translating AI-driven engineering capability into commercial outcomes

Your role and responsibilities

As a Business Sales & Delivery Leader in Hybrid Cloud & Data, you are a seasoned professional with deep expertise in supporting both sales and delivery of services across cloud, data, and AI domains. You possess a strong understanding of complex, multi-practice engagements and are skilled in articulating integrated solutions that span advisory, engineering, and operational capabilities.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Drive Trusted Client Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, identifying new business opportunities and contributing to the development and sales of differentiated solutions.
• Lead Solution Design and Delivery: Draw upon expertise in one or more Practices within the Hybrid Cloud & Data Service Line to deliver world-class solution design, development, and integration services, accelerators, and outcomes.
• Manage Engagements and Revenue Growth: Directly manage engagements and focus on financial success, driving services revenue generation and growth.
• Participate in Sector and Community Events: Engage in sector, solution, or community events to promote expertise and build relationships.
• Develop Integrated Solutions: Articulate integrated solutions that span advisory, engineering, and operational capabilities, leveraging expertise across cloud, data, and AI domains.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Deep Expertise in Cloud and Data: Proven ability to support sales and delivery of services across cloud, data, and AI domains, with a strong understanding of complex, multi-practice engagements.
• Experience with Integrated Solution Design: Skilled in articulating integrated solutions that span advisory, engineering, and operational capabilities, leveraging expertise across cloud, data, and AI domains.
• Strategic Mindset in Solution Development: Experience in delivering world-class solution design, development, and integration services, accelerators, and outcomes, with a focus on driving business growth and transformation.
• Expertise in Practice Leadership: Deep understanding of one or more Practices within the Hybrid Cloud & Data Service Line, with the ability to draw upon this expertise to drive solution design and delivery.
• Experience with Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, identifying new business opportunities and contributing to the development and sales of differentiated solutions.

Preferred technical and professional experience

15+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, technical consulting, or technology GTM, including

direct revenue accountability.

• Proven track record selling or delivering application modernization engagements (legacy refactoring, API-led architecture, cloud modernization).
• Hands-on familiarity with agentic frameworks and AI-assisted SDLC tooling (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI, AI code-analysis tools).
• Experience leading technical validation, PoCs, and architecture reviews for enterprise deals.
• Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to build C-suite relationships and represent a practice externally

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.