Business Development Manager, Channel Partnership

Commercial & Operations ensures we are the most competitive in each of our businesses, throughout the lifecycle. Commercial and Operations has a crucial role in helping KONE to be faster, nimbler, helping our frontlines to serve our customers better than any other company in the industry.

Even well-maintained equipment can fall short of expectations as it gets older or in a changing environment. KONE Modernization focuses on providing solutions tailored to customer needs, ranging from component upgrades to full replacement of existing equipment, as well as retrofit installations. The purpose is simple – to keep customer equipment running safely and smoothly.

The modernization market is much bigger than what we currently see. We strive to have a better market understanding & visibility as well as driving proactive demand. We aim to capture faster than market growth and contribute to LIS development. We do this by differentiating and creating sustainable value to Customers throughout the building life cycle. We target best in industry offering, sales and engineering efficiency, productivity, and profitability focus. Enabled by a transformation in speed in delivering the value to Customers.

We are looking for a highly driven and proactive

Business Development Manager, Channel Partnership

to join and contribute to our high‑performing Global Channel Partnership/Modernization team within the Commercial & Operations unit.

The Business Development Manager plays a key role in turning our partnership strategy into tangible commercial outcomes by driving partner selection, onboarding, early project success, and initial revenue generation in close alignment with Front Line and regional teams.

In this role you will identify and onboard channel partners in priority markets, support their early commercial activities, ensure smooth execution together with internal teams, and drive continuous improvement through structured feedback and KPI follow‑up, working closely with C&O functions, Areas, and Frontlines.

This role reports to the Modernization, Head of Global Channel Partnership. The location of the position is flexible one of KONE main Frontline offices in Europe.

Responsibilities and key activities:

• Identify, evaluate, and support selection of Channel Partners in priority markets.

• Drive partner onboarding from NDA to first order in close collaboration with regions and Front Line.

• Support partners during first commercial projects to secure early wins and references.

• Define and communicate commercial rules, value proposition, and partnership model to partners.

• Coordinate with Engineering & E2E Process colleagues to ensure smooth execution.

• Collect structured feedback from partners and regions to refine the partnership model.

• KPIs follow up with Partners and Areas to ensure growth.

• Contribute to the development of partner playbooks, pitch materials, and success stories.

To get a grip of the big picture and what your work would be related to, you can follow the link to learn more about Modernization at KONE .

We expect you to have:

• Strong background in business development, sales, or partnerships

• Experience working with external partners or distributors

• Good understanding of modernization or technical B2B solutions

• Ability to navigate matrix organizations and align with regions

• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

• BSc or MSc in a relevant subject

• Ability to drive things independently and can-do attitude

• Demonstrated capabilities to deliver successfully in international context

• Fluency in English is required, with proficiency in other languages seen as a potential asset.

What we offer

At KONE, one of our strategic targets is to make KONE a great place to work. We strive to foster a collaborative culture where co-workers trust and respect each other and leaders inspire people to deliver the best results. Our culture builds on the values of delighting the customer, energy for renewal, passion for performance and winning together. We deliver on our promises to customers and through this, we have consistently improved our reputation as a dependable partner, able to respond to changing requirements and market conditions. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Now you have a great opportunity to join a team of skilled colleagues, work in a global environment, and be a part of our journey which supports our new strategy!

For additional information please contact Hiring Manager Mariel Quentin, Head of Global Channel Partnership, Modernization [email protected] .  

Want to #joinourflow? 

If you see that you have the experience and qualities to be successful in this role, please submit your application with your updated CV and cover letter via KONE Careers site by April 6th 2026. 

#LI-GO

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on https://careers.kone.com/en/