What are the responsibilities and job description for the Channel Strategy Manager 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
The Channel Strategy Manager plays a critical role in expanding Tech Electronics' early-stage influence within the construction channel. This role focuses on building strategic relationships with Architects, Engineers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to influence project design, drive technology specifications, and position Tech's solutions well before opportunities reach the bid phase.
Working closely with key Architects, Engineers, and Construction Sales Account Managers, this role turns market intelligence into meaningful outreach, proactively developing key influencer relationships and identifying early-phase project opportunities. Beyond proactive relationship-building, this individual serves as a neutral technical resource and problem solver, stepping in when questions arise between designers and contractors. They help clarify specification requirements, resolve submittal rejections, and remove barriers during pre-bid design, post-bid submittals, and construction execution, ensuring a smoother path for Tech's solutions to be installed correctly and efficiently. During the bid phase, this individual will also walk through RFIs with engineers, ensuring Tech's systems are appropriately understood, accurately evaluated, and aligned with the design intent.
This role will have a project-focused ROI, with success measured by how many early-stage opportunities are influenced through relationship building and specification inclusion. The Channel Strategy Manager is expected to track influence activity, document project impact, and support the transition of specified opportunities to the sales team for successful pursuit and execution. In addition to project-focused ROI, this role will actively build and nurture relationships with Architects, Engineers, and AHJs in Tech's territories to ensure that evolving code requirements and technology trends are understood, addressed, and communicated across teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with architects, engineers, and AHJs across all territories.
- Present Tech Electronics' capabilities and key technologies to architect and engineering firms.
- Identify and pursue early-stage project opportunities before bid documents are released.
- Promote specification of Tech's solutions in fire alarm, BDA/DAS, security, AV, and other low voltage systems.
- Attend design meetings, code forums, and networking events to increase visibility and influence.
- Provide technical consultation during the design phase to ensure code-compliant and practical solutions.
- Address design conflicts, clarify specifications, and resolve submittal-related issues in collaboration with sales and engineering teams.
- Assist with RFIs and documentation during the bid process to support favorable interpretation of Tech's solutions.
- Coordinate with internal teams to track influenced projects through CRM and reporting tools.
- Assist AHJs with code interpretation and project walk throughs when questions arise.
- Provide feedback to marketing and leadership on market trends, code changes, and emerging technologies.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
- 5 years of experience in construction, low voltage systems, design/specification sales, or business development b
- Strong knowledge of fire and life safety technologies, codes (e.g., NFPA), and construction project lifecycle
- Proven ability to engage and influence external stakeholders at multiple levels
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to travel regionally (approximately 1 week per month)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with platforms like Salesforce, CMD Construct Connect, Dodge, and other bidding platforms.
- Existing relationships with A/E firms, AHJs, or electrical engineers in the Midwest region
- Experience working with Division 28 (electronic safety and security) systems
- Experience influencing specifications or early-stage design decisions in a B2B setting
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.