Channel Director, Central (Chicago)

Critical Start•Chicago, IL

18h

About The Position

Ready to make a real impact in cybersecurity? At Critical Start, we're not just protecting organizations; we're redefining how it's done. We're a team united by an inspiring purpose: to stop breaches, simplify security, and shape the future of cyber defense. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want your work to truly matter, you've found your home. we've been helping organizations outpace evolving attacks with faster response , fewer escalations, and measurable risk reduction. Innovation isn't just a buzzword here; it's our DNA. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go detection and response, infused AI into automated alert resolution to eliminate noise, and slashed investigation time by an astounding 99.3%. We're transforming how security teams work, and you could be a part of it. From AI-assisted triage to analyst copilots that elevate human expertise , we combine machine intelligence with human judgment to deliver outcomes our customer’s trust. If you're looking for a high-trust, high-impact team where your ideas are amplified by AI and valued by colleagues and customers alike, Critical Start is the place for you. Come build the future of cybersecurity with us. Want to hear from our team? Watch these videos to gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look. Who You Are The Channel Director will focus on partners within the assigned region and develop strategies to grow Critical Start’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services through those partnerships. This role is responsible for building and executing a regional partner strategy. You will manage and strengthen relationships with Critical Start’s partners by collaborating cross-functionally with channel teams, field sales, technical sales, sales operations, and marketing. This role is also accountable for overall business execution and performance management with partners in the assigned region. Strong communication and collaboration skills, along with a results-driven and proactive approach, are essential to support revenue growth through assigned partners. What You Will Be Doing? Key Responsibilities : Develop and execute a regional partner plan aligned with business objectives. Establish and maintain weekly, monthly, and quarterly engagement cadences with key partner stakeholders to create and execute tailored plans for each partner. Build, maintain, and deepen partner relationships to drive increased sales opportunities. Manage partner contracts in alignment with company policies and business goals. Develop accurate sales forecasts and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets. Serve as a trusted and valued resource to partners by providing guidance, support, and expertise. Collaborate with field marketing and local channel teams to plan, execute, and manage effective partner communications and demand generation campaigns. Develop and manage processes to ensure effective and efficient order processing across month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end cycles. Establish and strengthen partnerships with vendors within the MDR technology stack and execute joint go-to-market plans to drive partner demand. What You Will Bring? Required Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in channel management. 5+ years of experience in channel sales management within vendor or partner-led environments. Working knowledge of selling technology solutions across multiple market segments, from Enterprise to SMB. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex partner and territory plans and strategies. Experience developing business plans, contributing to strategic planning, and creating reporting to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI). Proven ability to influence and engage senior-level partner and distribution executives. Strong presentation skills, including the ability to articulate market trends and transitions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers and cross-functional teams. Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience developing and managing virtual or distributed sales teams. Strong time management, organizational, and negotiation skills. Professional experience in IT sales and business development. Comfort with public speaking and presenting to varied audiences. Willingness and ability to travel regionally on a regular basis. Strong understanding of the sales process and channel sales models. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization. Prior experience successfully selling security solutions and services through channel partners. What It's Like Working Here Imagine a dynamic, enjoyable, and rewarding work environment. We are professionals, and the work we do holds immense significance, like saving our customers from potential disasters. However, we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously. Prefer a casual dress code every day? No problem, as we find comfort enhances our thinking. Our workplace in Plano, TX offers open offices, collaborative meeting spaces, phone rooms, and wellness rooms. In the breakroom, friendly competition arises with games like ping-pong, bubble hockey machine, foosball, or the gaming machine. What harm does a little healthy competition among friends do? What does our Compensation and Benefits package entail? Competitive salary with bonus potential Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and visio n Additional Ancillary Benefits offered at 100% employee contribution Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy Paid Parental and Military Leave Dental and Vision Plan Employer-provided Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage 401(k) Plan with Matching Program Mines Employee Assistance Program Monthly Wellness Initiatives Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan We prioritize your privacy and security. Please note that Critical Start will never request financial information or sensitive personal data during the interview process. If you encounter any suspicious requests, do not respond and contact us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and trustworthy hiring experience. Critical Start welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life . One of our core values is to “Do what’s best for our employees,” and that starts with the hiring process by finding the best candidates and providing an environment that upholds equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy encompasses all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Mental and Physical Requirements It's important to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of the office job, organization, and individual responsibilities. Physical: Stationary position for extended periods of time. Constantly operate a computer. Occasionally you may be required to move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Mental: Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner . Make timely decisions in the context of workflow. Ability to complete tasks and perform in situations requiring speed deadlines, or productivity quota. Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress situations. Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex problems. For positions that can or will be performed, in whole or in part, remotely within the U.S., range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (sales roles only). Compensation: The total compensation range (base) being offered for this role is [$150,000 - $180,000]. Additional Compensation: This role is eligible for the following: performance-based variable compensation . Employment Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and vision , unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy, paid Parental and Military Leave, dental and vision plan, Employer-provided Life Insurance (up to $100K coverage), Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage, 401(k) Plan with Matching Program, 24/7/365 availability of Employee Assistance Program. Application Deadline: The application deadline for this position is February 6, 2026 . How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to visit our career site and apply for the position: https://www.criticalstart.com/careers/

Requirements

8+ years of experience in channel management.
5+ years of experience in channel sales management within vendor or partner-led environments.
Working knowledge of selling technology solutions across multiple market segments, from Enterprise to SMB.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex partner and territory plans and strategies.
Experience developing business plans, contributing to strategic planning, and creating reporting to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI).
Proven ability to influence and engage senior-level partner and distribution executives.
Strong presentation skills, including the ability to articulate market trends and transitions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience developing and managing virtual or distributed sales teams.
Strong time management, organizational, and negotiation skills.
Professional experience in IT sales and business development.
Comfort with public speaking and presenting to varied audiences.
Willingness and ability to travel regionally on a regular basis.
Strong understanding of the sales process and channel sales models.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization.
Prior experience successfully selling security solutions and services through channel partners.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a regional partner plan aligned with business objectives.
Establish and maintain weekly, monthly, and quarterly engagement cadences with key partner stakeholders to create and execute tailored plans for each partner.
Build, maintain, and deepen partner relationships to drive increased sales opportunities.
Manage partner contracts in alignment with company policies and business goals.
Develop accurate sales forecasts and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets.
Serve as a trusted and valued resource to partners by providing guidance, support, and expertise.
Collaborate with field marketing and local channel teams to plan, execute, and manage effective partner communications and demand generation campaigns.
Develop and manage processes to ensure effective and efficient order processing across month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end cycles.
Establish and strengthen partnerships with vendors within the MDR technology stack and execute joint go-to-market plans to drive partner demand.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus potential
Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and visio n
Additional Ancillary Benefits offered at 100% employee contribution
Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy
Paid Parental and Military Leave
Dental and Vision Plan
Employer-provided Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage
Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage
401(k) Plan with Matching Program
Mines Employee Assistance Program
Monthly Wellness Initiatives
Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan