Partner Marketing Manager

Zones.•Chicago, IL

35d•Remote

About The Position

Zones LLC is seeking a Partner Marketing Manager, a revenue-driving, partner-facing role responsible for accelerating market growth, achieving revenue targets, and maximizing joint investment through Market Development Funds (MDF) and other partner programs. This role owns the partner marketing relationship, aligning partner strategies with Zones’ business priorities, building and selling joint marketing plans, and executing programs that generate pipeline, accelerate deals, and deliver measurable ROI. The position requires up to 35% travel.

Requirements

3–5 years experience in partner marketing, channel sales, or B2B demand generation within IT solutions or technology at an NSP, reseller, or distributor.
Proven ability to sell ideas, influence partners, and secure funding/investment.
Strong understanding of IT solutions landscape (Workplace, Cloud/Datacenter, Networking, Security).
Experience working with IT OEMs.
Proven ability to build and execute joint marketing plans.
Proficiency with project management platforms (e.g., Wrike, Basecamp, Monday) and familiarity with finance and operations systems.
Hands-on expertise working within partner portals for marketing planning, funding submission, and claims management.
Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable marketing outcomes.
Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent communication, storytelling, and commercial acumen.
Highly driven, accountable, and results-oriented with a sales-first mindset.
Willingness to travel up to 35% as needed.

Responsibilities

Own partner strategy and growth alignment by understanding partner priorities, funding models, and market objectives, and aligning them to Zones’ key practices (Workplace, Cloud & Datacenter, Networking, Security) to identify joint revenue opportunities and whitespace.
Build and sell outcome-driven marketing plans by developing data-backed strategies tied to pipeline and revenue goals, positioning programs as growth levers, and securing MDF and partner co-investment.
Drive end-to-end program execution across integrated campaigns, events, digital, and field activations; ensuring all initiatives are designed to generate demand, accelerate pipeline, and support sales conversion.
Deliver measurable business impact by owning performance tracking, KPIs, and reporting, including ROI, Proof of Performance (POP), and Proof of Execution (POE); continuously optimize based on results and partner feedback.
Own MDF lifecycle and partner funding performance, including plan submission, portal management, execution, claims, and ensuring timely receivables and revenue recognition.
Enable sales through strong value proposition and messaging, translating partner technologies into clear, compelling, sales-ready positioning that supports Zones’ GTM campaigns and field engagement.
Lead cross-functional execution and alignment across Product/Partner Management (PPM), Business Practices, Sales, Campaigns, Events, Creative, and Sales Enablement to ensure speed, quality, and impact.
Serve as the primary partner interface and marketing lead, managing day-to-day engagement, driving QBR planning and content, and maintaining strong partner relationships that increase investment and performance.
Drive consistent reporting and executive visibility on partner performance, marketing impact, and progress against revenue and growth targets.