Manager of Industry Partnerships

KINETIC ADVANTAGE LLC•Carmel, IN

About The Position

The Manager of Industry Partnerships cultivates strategic relationships with independent automobile dealer associations, independent auctions, industry organizations, conference organizers and other partners. The role expands Kinetic Advantage’s industry presence, creates access to valuable contacts and conversations, identifies business development prospects, and delivers effective sponsorships, events and community partnerships. The position works with Sales, Operations, Marketing and Communications to align industry involvement with company objectives. The manager develops and executes an industry partnership strategy; builds and maintains stakeholder relationships; manages conference, event and sponsorship planning and execution; coordinates sponsorship agreements, budgets and commitments; and secures speaking and thought-leadership opportunities for company leaders. The role also serves as an industry liaison for publications and media inquiries, gathers and shares industry intelligence, leads the Drive to Thrive volunteer program, assesses the value of industry investments, and maintains partner records. Frequent travel is required, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Two to four years of relevant experience in industry partnerships, association relations, dealer or auction relations, sponsorships, events or related external-facing roles.
Proven success establishing credible, long-term partnerships and earning trust across organizations and leadership levels.
Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with willingness and potential to grow as an industry panelist and facilitator.
Proactive, self-directed approach with excellent follow-through, attention to detail and personal accountability.
Strong planning, organization, negotiation and budget management skills, with the ability to balance strategy and hands-on execution.
Sound judgment, resourcefulness and adaptability in fast-paced environments, including events with changing requirements.
Business savvy and market awareness to recognize emerging opportunities and understand how Kinetic can create value.
Ability to turn industry information into useful business insights and recommendations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to maintain event, budget and relationship records.
Frequent travel to industry conferences, auction events, association meetings and community activities, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Ability to sit at a desk and work at a computer for extended periods; occasional work in outdoor event environments.
Ability to move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in automotive retail, independent dealer associations, wholesale auctions, floorplan financing or adjacent automotive services is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Create and execute an industry partnership strategy that deepens key connections, increases Kinetic’s visibility and supports business development.
Cultivate relationships with state independent automobile dealer associations, NIADA, independent auctions, NAAA, IAG, conference organizers, auction leaders and other industry stakeholders.
Collaborate with Sales and Operations leaders to reinforce auction partnerships and support related field initiatives.
Manage the annual industry conference, event and sponsorship calendar, recommending participation, investments, attendee assignments and initiatives.
Negotiate sponsorships and partnership arrangements; coordinate contracting, approved budgets, reconciliation and fulfillment of commitments.
Lead event participation, including internal coordination, logistics, on-site representation, stakeholder outreach and post-event follow-up.
Secure speaking engagements, panels, roundtables and other thought-leadership opportunities for Kinetic leaders, coordinating materials with Marketing and Communications.
Develop the industry knowledge and presentation skills to increasingly represent Kinetic as a panelist, moderator and roundtable facilitator.
Serve as Kinetic’s industry liaison for publications and media inquiries, coordinating messaging and external representation with Marketing and Communications.
Gather industry and competitive intelligence through partner relationships, interpret developments, and share relevant insights and recommendations with leadership.
Lead the Drive to Thrive volunteer program with associations, auctions, nonprofit organizations and internal volunteers, emphasizing community impact and partner involvement.
Assess industry investments using partnership progress, participation, prospects created, strategic relevance and appropriate business indicators; propose improvements and resource trade-offs.
Maintain records of key partner contacts, commitments and account history to support continuity and coordinated outreach.
Fulfill Kinetic’s commitments and respond resourcefully to changing priorities and unexpected event or partner needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.