AI & Technology KOL Manager

Location & Working Arrangement

• Primary Job Posting Location: United Kingdom
• This position is open to candidates based in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
• Location preference is prioritized as follows: United Kingdom first, Singapore second, and Hong Kong as the third preference.
• This role follows a hybrid working arrangement, with candidates expected to work on-site at least two days per week. Remote work is supported for the remaining working days, subject to team and business needs.
• Candidates should be comfortable collaborating with global teams across different time zones and attending in-person meetings, events, or business activities when required.
• This is a permanent, full-time position.

Job Description

1. Identify, connect with, and engage influential technology KOLs, creators, AI and technology founders, analysts, writers, podcasters, and community leaders across key platforms, especially X, Substack, Reddit, and YouTube.
2. Develop and execute KOL engagement strategies to increase Alibaba’s online presence, brand mentions, and share of voice in global AI and technology conversations.
3. Build and maintain long-term relationships with relevant technology KOLs, digital creators, founders, analysts, and industry opinion leaders to support ongoing corporate communications, AI branding, and thought leadership initiatives.
4. Independently develop, manage, and drive KOL partnership projects from initial outreach through execution, leveraging industry networks and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
5. Work closely with internal communications and business teams to identify key topics, proof points, technology developments, and narratives that are relevant to global technology audiences.
6. Monitor online conversations and creator discussions around AI, cloud computing, open-source technology, e-commerce innovation, and other relevant technology topics to identify emerging trends and potential engagement opportunities.
7. Translate complex AI and technology developments into relevant industry insights, creator engagement opportunities, and communication narratives.
8. Support the development of creator-friendly materials, including briefing notes, talking points, backgrounders, content ideas, and key message documents.
9. Actively organize and coordinate small-scale gatherings, networking activities, and roundtables to keep KOLs updated on Alibaba’s latest developments and strengthen relationships within the global technology creator ecosystem.
10. Track and report on KOL engagement performance, including online mentions, content reach, sentiment, creator participation, partnership outcomes, and relationship development progress.

Requirements

1. 5+ years of relevant experience in technology KOL management, influencer relations, creator partnerships, digital communications, technology PR, social media strategy, or related areas.
2. Strong understanding of the global technology and AI landscape, including emerging AI technologies, industry trends, major technology companies, online communities, creators, and discussion platforms.
3. Strong knowledge of social media operations combined with a solid understanding of the AI and technology industry.
4. Demonstrated ability to analyze AI and technology trends and translate technical developments into meaningful industry insights and KOL engagement opportunities.
5. Existing industry network or proven ability to independently build and maintain relationships with technology KOLs, creators, founders, writers, analysts, and community leaders, particularly across X, Substack, Reddit, and YouTube.
6. Strong networking, relationship management, and resource integration capabilities, with the ability to independently expand and manage strategic partnerships.
7. Proven experience developing and executing technology-focused KOL projects, creator partnerships, content collaborations, or online advocacy programs.
8. Candidates with experience working in technology-focused marketing agencies, technology PR agencies, or MCNs are strongly preferred.
9. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to consumer electronics product seeding, product unboxing, or promotional influencer campaigns may not be suitable for this role. Experience related to AI, emerging technologies, technical analysis, industry insights, or thought leadership is strongly preferred.
10. Good understanding of social listening, online sentiment, content performance, creator engagement, and digital measurement metrics.
11. Strong project management skills, with the ability to independently drive collaborations from initial relationship building through execution and follow-up.
12. Fluent English writing and communication skills are required. Additional language skills are a plus.