Director of Strategy and Transformation

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.

Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We are currently hiring for the role of Director of Strategy and Transformation.
 
 

SUMMARY  

As the newly hired Director of Strategy & Transformation, you will be responsible for leading several of the company's largest and most critical strategic initiatives and be a core part of driving the business value creation plan. Reporting to the EVP of Strategy & Transformation, the Director of Strategy & Transformation will be a key member of the company's Senior Leadership Team (“SLT”) and will be responsible for leading several key strategic initiatives. This will include evaluating strategic alternatives, building strategic plans, leading workstream day-to-day execution, and overall driving financial results. This is both a strategic and tactical role where the individual will need to shape the strategy and then lead the execution.

The successful candidate will have experience in operating as a leader for similar transformation efforts, with a track record of driving outcomes rather than simply identifying problems. Experience in pricing and distribution is highly valued, as it demonstrates an understanding of the underlying business model. Exposure to industrials broadly is preferred but not required. This individual will bring hands-on experience leading initiatives end to end, and will get experience across commercial, operational, finance, and people functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the development and execution of Kele's multi-year product and category strategy, including growth priorities, portfolio differentiation, market positioning, supplier strategy, and investment priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Strategic Planning & Initiative Development

• Partner with the leadership team to identify, evaluate, and prioritize strategic growth and transformation opportunities aligned with the company's long-term objectives
• Conduct market analysis, competitive assessments, and financial modeling to support strategic decision-making, and business case development
• Support the development of multi-year strategic plans, including financial projections, resource requirements, and risk assessments for proposed initiatives

Transformation Program Execution

• Support the EVP of Strategy & Transformation in driving the transformation program, establishing and managing governance structures, operating rhythms, and accountability frameworks to ensure successful execution
• Drive accountability across initiative teams by tracking progress, flagging risks, and ensuring owners follow through on commitments and timelines
• Lead cross-functional initiative teams, providing direction, removing obstacles, and ensuring initiatives remain on track to deliver against defined objectives and timelines
• Own the creation of key strategic deliverables, partnering with senior business leaders to ensure quality and alignment with transformation objectives
• Build and maintain program documentation, including initiative charters, project plans, and interdependency maps, to ensure visibility, alignment, and accountability across workstreams

Performance Management & Reporting

• Design and implement performance tracking systems and dashboards to monitor initiative progress, financial impact, and value realization against planned targets
• Provide regular updates to the executive team and board of directors on program status, key milestones, risks, and outcomes
• Quantify and communicate the financial and operational impact of transformation initiatives to stakeholders
• Execute post-implementation review processes to capture lessons learned and ensure sustained benefits realization

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of Building Automation Systems products and applications, or demonstrated ability to acquire it quickly through the existing Product Management and Product Application Manager team.
• Strong strategic and financial acumen; ability to translate market, supplier, and category data into portfolio, pricing, and investment decisions.
• Skilled at supplier negotiation, cross-functional influence, and presenting business cases to executive leadership.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and lead through structure and process in a fast-paced, small-team environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and use hands for handling materials and keyboarding.
• 5+ years of professional experience in consulting, corporate strategy, operations, general management, or a related field. Direct P&L ownership as a GM, President, or owner-operator is equally valued.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and act on critical value levers
• Demonstrated ability to operate both at the strategic and tactical project execution levels
• Operational background with a strong focus on change management and process/technology
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work across complex financial models and large datasets
• Strong project management and execution skills
• Strong conceptual problem-solving skills
• Friendly and engaging personality, enjoys working in partnership with others, and fostering cooperation and collaboration with people at all levels
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to influence and manage various stakeholders at all levels
• An exceptional work ethic focused on integrity, and who can be depended on to oversee the administration of highly confidential information
• Keen commercial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit
• A self-starter who will actively strive to achieve exceptional standards and practices for the business.
• Open to substantial amount of travel (up to ~50% required)

Preferred:

• Experience working within portfolio operations at a PE firm or having PE clients
• Experienced with project management tools such as Asana or Jira

Education

• University degree required
• Advanced qualifications achieved in business, operations, finance, or other business-related programs (e.g., MBA) preferred.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks: 

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance ​ 

• HSA 

• FSA (medical and dependent care) 

• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting 

• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage 

• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available 

• Paid time off and paid holidays 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Paid maternity leave