Strategic Partnership Manager - Jackson, TN

The ideal candidate must be located in Nashville, TN, Charlotte, NC, or Dallas, TX.

Role Description:

The Strategic Partnership Manager will lead efforts to establish and strengthen relationships with targeted Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to drive growth for Kimball International. This role will collaborate closely with Sales leadership to activate business plans and maximize opportunities with identified organizations-Vizient, HealthTrust, Premier, and Omnia-with potential to expand to additional GPOs.

The Strategic Partner Manager will report to the Director, Dealer Development. This is a market-based role and will reside in Nashville, Charlotte, or Dallas.

Responsibilities:

• Direct the development and execution of annual business plans and assist with implementing strategically and tactically to exceed sales goals.
• Conduct performance sessions with targeted partners, with appropriate monthly & quarterly touchpoints.
• Frequent strategic collaboration with Sales Directors.
• Foster partnership and mutually beneficial relationships with identified organizations.
• Manage financial resources within the area consistent with forecasting and budgeting process and plans.
• Facilitate, in partnership with Sales Leadership team, the dealer quota process for targeted partners and act as a key resource to drive toward achievement.
• Utilize data and analytics to develop short and long-term plans with targeted partners to monitor performance and to plan and address variances.
• Develop relationships with key industry influencers through involvement in industry organizations and events, in partnership with targeted partners.
• Collaborate across the organization to close business for Kimball International, utilizing the various tools available, while maintaining a strong knowledge of competitive data to position Kimball International's brands for best advantage.
• Ensure the education on the value and benefits of the Workplace +Health brands and solutions with influencers throughout the marketplaces.

Skills to Perform This Role:

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to develop positive relationships with dealers, end users, market influencers and colleagues
• Strong negotiation skills
• Proven and effective team-player
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of people (customers, field sales, key leaders, peers, market influencers, etc.)
• Self-motivated
• Mature, proven relationship builder
• Demonstrated high integrity in all business interactions
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Professional in appearance, communication, and conducting business
• Fosters an environment of trust and respect with peers, leaders, and employees
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency through actions and decisions
• Develop and execute strategies to achieve business objectives

Technical Skills

• Proficient in financial decision making and problem solving
• Must be proficient in Microsoft applications

Communication Skills

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
• Active listening skills
• Need to be comfortable communicating with key leaders of a company.
• Presentation skills will be important

Leadership Skills

• Be a leader by example
• Creates an environment that encourages others to collaborate.
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Excellent decision-making skills
• Ability to lead change and handle multiple projects at once

Business Skills

• Understanding of Office Furniture market and influencers within the market
• Consultative Sales approach
• Understanding of dealer business, dealer role and capabilities
• Strong collaboration skills
• Understanding the needs of end user
• Technical product knowledge
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Competitive knowledge (products, people, position)
• Proven record of closing business

The ideal candidate must be located in Nashville, TN, Charlotte, NC, or Dallas, TX.

• Knowledge of the Contract Furniture Industry preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or related area of emphasis preferred
• Some sales experience preferred
• Demonstrated track record and career progression
• Ability to handle the travel associated with the position