Strategic Partnerships Manager

The Kendall Group
United States, Michigan, Portage
5101 South Sprinkle Road (Show on map)
Jan 02, 2026
About The Kendall Group The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career. Why The Kendall Group? Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success. Role Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, the Strategic Partnerships Manager position is a key member of the National Accounts team. In this role you will build a team of regional resources to work with our Kendall Electric and Great Lakes Automation Supply teams to drive engagement with strategic customers. The Strategic Partnerships Manager will coordinate all bidding on national account contracts and drive engagement with the local Branches to understand and promote the value of the various national account and integrated supply programs. Exciting work you will do: The essential duties and responsibilities of the Strategic Partnerships Manager position will consist of, but are not limited to the following: As a leader model Service Excellence with your team Provide leadership, direction, growth, and mentoring Adhere to our company values of Success Beyond the Sale, Partnership as a Promise, We Do What We Say, Legacy of Impact, and Purpose-Driven Progress Invest in self-growth through participating in continuous improvement, learning, and development Manage strategic account relationships with key integrated supply & national account partners Create roll-out and implementation plans with partners Coordinate the bidding process for national account and integrated supply contracts to ensure the greatest success Build a team to support regional engagement and penetration of national accounts and integrated supply customers Lead a high-performing inside sales team focused on key customer accounts. Set clear objectives, drive accountability, and foster a culture of urgency and innovation. Collaborate with sales, operations, and support teams to deliver rapid, tailored solutions for high-value customers. Engage and build relations with local branches to educate and promote national account and integrated supply programs, build supplier relationships and route centralized pricing requests Monitor and control pricing, customer interface and ensure cost savings compliance with existing customers Oversee contract compliance and create strategies for optimal results Work with vendors to create national account pricing Promote and create cost savings programs and templates to maximize value Monitor and report sales data to determine profitability of accounts that are overseen Perform other duties and projects as assigned Competencies you possess: Service Excellence Results, Action Oriented Accountability and responsibility Teamwork and collaboration Developing Talent Managerial Courage Building Team Morale Process Management Problem solving Negotiating Awareness of the needs of others What you'll need: Work Experience: 7 years' experience in managing strategic/national account relationships; 2 years' experience in people management; 3 years' experience in electrical industry experience Education:Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience Analytics/Computer Skills:Experience working with MS Office with a heavy emphasis on Excel; ability to collaborate with and engage additional commercial or technical resources when appropriate; strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; business acumen, including problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities Organization Skills:Highly organized and detail-oriented; ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed; ability to work in fast-paced, continuously evolving, and at times challenging environment Cross-functional skills:Ability to work well cross-functionally; provides excellent internal and external customer service Communication Skills:Strong interpersonal communications, analytical and problem solving, organizational and written/verbal communication skills; strong negotiation skills Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. Ability to see, talk and hear Ability to sit for 8 hours a day Physical Environment: Normal office environment Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license Travel: Up to 30% occasional overnight Qualifications we prefer but do not require: Work Experience:5 years' experience in people management; product knowledge of related manufacturers, applications and pricing strategies The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.