Channel Account Manager - Chicago

Alkira•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution, is seeking a Channel Account Manager based in or near Chicago to own and grow its partner ecosystem across the US Midwest. The role recruits, onboards, enables, and manages a range of channel partners—including VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, and cloud service providers—and drives revenue through partner-led opportunities. It also involves developing cross-border relationships to expand Alkira's presence in the United States and Canada. The Channel Account Manager serves as the primary contact for territory partners, builds relationships from executive sponsors through field sales and technical teams, and develops territory coverage plans. The role drives pipeline and revenue through joint account planning, demand generation, co-selling, partner incentives, and accurate CRM/PRM forecasting. It also educates and certifies partners on Alkira's NIaaS platform and services, runs partner trainings and events, coordinates with internal teams, identifies new partner opportunities, and represents Alkira across the territory. The position requires approximately 50% travel.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in channel sales, partner account management, or alliances.
Established relationships with VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, or cloud service providers in the Northeast U.S.
Strong understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud networking, and partner go-to-market motions.
Demonstrated success driving revenue through indirect sales and partner-led opportunities.
Ability to develop joint business plans, manage partner programs, and execute go-to-market strategies across a multi-market territory.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Self-motivated, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
Based in or near Chicago, Illinois.
Valid passport and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Experience in networking, cloud, or SaaS.
Experience with Canadian partners or cross-border sales.

Responsibilities

Recruit, onboard, and manage strategic channel partners across the Midwest, including VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, and cloud service providers.
Serve as the primary point of contact for territory partners and build relationships with executive sponsors, field sales teams, and technical teams.
Build and execute a partner coverage plan across key US Midwest metropolitan areas, prioritizing investment according to partner and customer demand.
Drive pipeline and revenue growth through joint account planning, demand generation, and co-selling with territory partners.
Use Alkira Connect partner incentives—including tiered margins, rebates, MDF, and velocity incentives—to accelerate partner-sourced pipeline and time-to-first-deal.
Maintain accurate partner pipeline and forecast reporting in Alkira's CRM/PRM for channel and regional sales leadership.
Educate and certify partner sales and technical teams on Alkira's NIaaS platform and help them position, sell, and deliver Connect Services Attach Plays.
Execute partner program initiatives, incentives, and joint marketing campaigns across the territory.
Run and support partner trainings, roadshows, and events.
Collaborate with direct sales, marketing, and sales engineering teams on territory channel initiatives and joint opportunities.
Identify new partner opportunities across target Midwest verticals to broaden Alkira's footprint.
Represent Alkira at partner events, industry conferences, and customer-facing engagements throughout the territory.