Channel Account Manager - Chicago

Alkira•Chicago, IL

10d•$96,038 - $160,051

About The Position

Alkira is seeking a highly motivated 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 VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, and cloud service providers, building relationships across partner organizations and supporting growth through partner-led sales. It also involves developing cross-border relationships to expand Alkira's presence in the United States and Canada. The Channel Account Manager drives pipeline and revenue by creating joint account plans, generating demand, and co-selling with partners. The role uses Alkira Connect's tiered margins, rebates, market development funds, and velocity incentives to accelerate partner-sourced pipeline and time to first deal. It maintains partner pipeline and forecast reporting in the company's CRM/PRM, educates and certifies partner sales and technical teams on Alkira's NIaaS platform and services attach plays, and executes partner program initiatives and joint marketing campaigns. The position collaborates with direct sales, marketing, and sales engineering; identifies new partner opportunities across Midwest target verticals; and represents Alkira at partner events, industry conferences, and customer engagements. Travel is approximately 50% across the territory. The anticipated annual base salary range is $96,038–$160,051, with pay depending on location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in channel sales, partner account management, or alliances; preferably in networking, cloud, or SaaS.
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.
Highly self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
Based in or near Chicago, IL.
Valid passport and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time.

Nice To Haves

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

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 coverage plan for key US Midwest metros, 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's 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, providing visibility to 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 partner opportunities across target verticals in the Midwest to broaden Alkira's footprint.
Represent Alkira at partner events, industry conferences, and customer-facing engagements throughout the territory.