A2P SMS Carrier Relations Manager

About the role

This role manages strategic relationships with mobile network operators (MNOs), SMS aggregators, SMS hubs and international messaging providers, and sources and negotiates A2P SMS routes. It works closely with routing, operations, sales and account management teams, and is described as suitable for a remote environment.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with MNOs, aggregators, hubs and international providers, and onboard new wholesale SMS suppliers and connectivity partners.
• Expand international destination coverage through reliable, commercially competitive routes and build a diversified, scalable global supplier network.
• Negotiate SMS termination rates, commercial agreements, payment terms and traffic commitments; source competitive A2P routes while keeping delivery quality and reliability high.
• Evaluate supplier pricing, route performance and delivery rates, and identify ways to optimise routing costs and gross profit margins.
• Monitor market pricing, industry developments and international messaging trends.
• Work with Routing and Operations on route testing, quality assurance, capacity and incident resolution, and with Sales and Account Management on customer requirements and destination coverage.
• Maintain supplier records, agreements and pricing in the CRM, and prepare supplier comparisons, commercial proposals and partnership business cases.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in A2P SMS wholesale, international messaging, carrier relations, telecom wholesale or CPaaS.
• Established network of MNOs, SMS aggregators, carriers and wholesale suppliers.
• Proven experience sourcing and negotiating international A2P SMS routes and connectivity agreements.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple international relationships and deliver results remotely.
• Preferred: direct connectivity with MNOs or Tier-1 providers, supplier-network experience, knowledge of RCS, WhatsApp Business and Viber, startup or fast-growing telecom experience, participation in events such as ITW, GCCM or Capacity, and willingness to travel internationally.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of SMS routing, SMPP, DLR, route quality, pricing structures and international SMS termination.
• Excellent commercial negotiation, analytical and relationship-management skills.
• Strong written and spoken English.