What are the responsibilities and job description for the Channel Strategy Manager – Fire & Life Safety position at Tech Electronics?
Who is Tech Electronics?
We provide systems and services that help our customers work smarter, feel safer, and collaborate more effectively. Tech Electronics is a technology services organization headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with eight offices across the Midwest.
At Tech Electronics, we specialize in low voltage life safety and communication systems in the education, healthcare, construction, government, commercial-industrial, SMB, and worship industries. From fire alarm installation and testing to security cameras and video surveillance, our tailor-made solutions deliver connection and protection.
Why Tech Electronics?
At Tech Electronics, we pride ourselves on bringing a unique family atmosphere to an ever-evolving technology marketplace. We recognize that our people made us special when we opened our doors nearly 60 years ago, and they continue to do so today.
We prioritize giving motivated individuals opportunities to find their gifts, develop their talents, and live their lives to the fullest. If you're looking for a job that's more than just a job, our Tech family is waiting for you!
What's in it for you?
- Health, Vision & Dental Insurance on DAY ONE
- Company credit card, cellphone, laptop (as needed)
- Paid Time Off & Accrued Personal Time
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Long‑Term & Short‑Term Disability
- Generous Holiday Schedule
- Hybrid office schedule (select positions)
- Immense Growth Opportunities
- Relaxed Family Culture
- Teladoc, SurgeryPlus, & other medical benefits
About the Role: Channel Strategy Manager (Fire & Life Safety)
The Channel Strategy Manager is a key strategic role focused on expanding Tech Electronics' early‑stage influence within the construction and life‑safety ecosystem. This position is ideal for a seasoned fire alarm or life‑safety professional who understands codes, AHJ expectations, system design, and the realities of construction-and is ready to leverage that expertise in a more strategic, relationship‑driven capacity.
This role centers on building strong partnerships with Architects, Engineers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to shape fire alarm, BDA/DAS, and life‑safety system specifications long before projects reach the bid phase. By combining technical credibility with proactive outreach, the Channel Strategy Manager ensures Tech's solutions are positioned early, accurately, and in alignment with code requirements and design intent.
Beyond relationship development, this individual serves as a technical resource-helping resolve design conflicts, clarify specifications, support submittal reviews, and guide RFIs during the bid process. Their expertise helps remove barriers, reduce rework, and ensure that life‑safety systems are designed and installed correctly the first time.
Success is measured by early‑stage project influence, specification inclusion, and the smooth transition of opportunities to the sales and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
Fire & Life Safety Influence
- Promote early‑stage specification of Tech's fire alarm, BDA/DAS, and life‑safety solutions.
- Provide technical guidance to A/E firms on code‑compliant system design (NFPA, IBC, IFC).
- Support AHJs with code interpretation, system questions, and project walk‑throughs.
Strategic Relationship Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with architects, engineers, and AHJs across Tech territories.
- Represent Tech Electronics at design meetings, code forums, and industry events.
- Present Tech's capabilities, technologies, and life‑safety expertise to A/E firms.
Project Influence & Technical Support
- Identify early‑phase project opportunities before bid documents are released.
- Assist with RFIs, design clarifications, and submittal‑related issues to ensure accurate interpretation of Tech's solutions.
- Serve as a technical resource between designers, contractors, and internal teams.
- Track influenced projects through CRM tools and document impact on specifications.
Market Intelligence & Internal Collaboration
- Monitor code changes, emerging technologies, and industry trends-especially in fire and life safety.
- Provide feedback to leadership and marketing to strengthen Tech's market position.
- Support sales teams by transitioning specified opportunities for pursuit and execution.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5 years of experience in fire alarm, life safety, or low‑voltage systems
- Strong knowledge of NFPA codes, fire alarm system design, and the construction project lifecycle
- Proven ability to engage and influence external stakeholders (A/E firms, AHJs, contractors)
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills
- Ability to travel regionally (approximately one week per month)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with Division 28 systems (fire alarm, security, BDA/DAS, etc.)
- Existing relationships with A/E firms, AHJs, or electrical engineers in the Midwest
- Familiarity with Salesforce, ConstructConnect, Dodge, or similar platforms
- Experience influencing specifications or early‑stage design decisions in a B2B environment