Key Partner Executive

Role Overview

• Develop and execute the long-term & short-term strategic vision and enterprise-level strategies for Key Partners, driving sustainable revenue growth, product adoption, profitability, and partner retention while ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives, financial targets, and market trends.
• Lead high-level partner negotiations, executive business reviews, and strategic planning sessions with OEM leadership.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to cross-functional teams to ensure flawless execution of partner priorities and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Owner of all Key Partner strategies, projects, initiatives, and deliverables, including cross-departmental presentations, data, and reporting.
• Review and approve all partner-related content, data, and strategic recommendations before executive or external distribution.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigate operational risks across all partner programs.
• Hire, develop and mentor Key Partner Managers and supporting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and performance excellence.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by building strong relationships across all levels within Safe-Guard and Key Partner organizations, fostering trust and alignment to gain stakeholder buy-in for shared objectives.
• Drive the end-to-end process for quarterly business reviews (QBRs), including developing, reviewing, and presenting materials and data from multiple departments to highlight Key Partner priorities.
• Ensure strategic alignment, accuracy, and consistency across all deliverables, and present insights and recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead strategic planning for OEM projects & initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and market dynamics.
• Direct development and oversight of executive-level presentations, dashboards, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics, market trends, and partner data to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.
• Drive innovation in partner engagement, leveraging technology and advanced analytics to enhance performance and profitability.
• Manage partner portfolio to optimize revenue and mitigate financial, operational and compliance risk.
• Collaborate with Finance and Data teams to deliver accurate forecasting, revenue modeling, and actionable insights for leadership.
• Influence cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize projects & initiatives that maximize partner success.
• Champion continuous improvement projects & initiatives to optimize processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance partner satisfaction.
• Serve as the final approval authority for all partner-related deliverables, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strategic alignment.
• Hire, train, mentor and develop Key Partner Managers, building leadership capabilities and succession planning within the team.
• Represent the organization at industry events, forums, and the OEM at executive-level partner meetings to strengthen relationships and brand positioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in automotive financial services with a focus on strategic partnerships.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams focused on Key Accounts and Partner relationships.
• Deep knowledge of automotive industry systems and processes, including claims adjudication, dealer operations, F&I Operations, menu systems, F&I third-party administration, and Automotive OEM financial services.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and partner success through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and market development.
• Strong business development skills with entrepreneurial mindset and track record of sales success.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret data, forecast trends, and support strategic decisions.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; adept at influencing stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite.
• Ability to leverage internal and external resources to achieve objectives and deliver innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects at an enterprise level, ensuring strategic alignment and providing executive guidance on requirements and deliverables in collaboration with project management teams.
• Flexible schedule with ability to travel as needed (30%+).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Paid Community Service Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ongoing Training & Personal Development
• And More!