Manager of Brand Strategy

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 Manager of Brand Strategy.
 
 

SUMMARY  

The Manager, Brand Strategy translates customer insights, market intelligence, and behavioral data into practical brand tools and activation recommendations that strengthen customer connection and support growth. Working under the direction of the VP, Brand Strategy, this role develops personas, maps customer buying behaviors, and builds differentiated value propositions and messaging within Kele’s brand strategy. The Manager manages assigned brand initiatives from insight and supports through implementation, partnering with Marketing, and Sales to deliver a consistent,

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Customer, Market & Insights – Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative customer research, market intelligence, and internal feedback. Monitor competitors and translate findings into clear recommendations for audience priorities, messaging, and customer experience improvements to drive growth.
• Unified Brand Strategy – Develop and maintain personas, customer segments, buying behavior maps, and brand playbooks within the strategy established by the VP, Brand Strategy. Apply brand architecture guidelines and identify customer lifecycle opportunities for review and prioritization.
• Brand Positioning – Develop audience-specific value propositions, messaging, and proof points that communicate Kele’s differentiation. Use competitive analysis and customer insights to recommend positioning refinements and opportunities to strengthen preference.
• Activation Planning & Stewardship – Translate brand and behavioral playbooks into actionable briefs that define the audience, buying decision, message, channel considerations, and intended outcome. Partner with activation teams to assess feasibility, estimate potential impact, and manage assigned initiatives against agreed priorities, timelines, and resources.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Coordinate with Marketing, Sales, and Customer Experience to gather input, align deliverables, and support adoption of brand tools and messaging. Develop guidance and enablement materials for assigned initiatives; surface dependencies and decisions requiring VP alignment.
• Measurement & Improvement – Partner with Analytics to operationalize and track agreed brand and customer measures, such as awareness, consideration, NPS, and engagement. Summarize results, identify learning opportunities, and recommend improvements that connect brand activity to customer penetration and business growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in brand strategy, customer insights, or strategic marketing, ideally within B2B markets.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting qualitative and quantitative customer research, segmentation, and performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer insights into actionable messaging, brand tools, and activation recommendations.
• Experience developing or applying brand identity guidelines, messaging frameworks, and customer-facing communications.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional brand or marketing initiatives from planning through implementation and measurement.

Skills and competencies

• Customer-obsessed attitude - committed to delivering best-in-class experiences and continuously improving how customers interact with the brand.
• Strategic thinker who connects customer needs and buying behaviors to practical brand recommendations.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional contributors and deliver against agreed plans.
• Strong storytelling and communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Data-informed decision maker skilled at integrating insights into creative execution.
• Working knowledge of brand governance, voice and tone, and content strategy, with attention to consistent application.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence partners and build alignment across functions.
• Entrepreneurial and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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 

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or
related field.
8+ years of progressive brand leadership experience, ideally within
B2B markets.
Deep analytical background—able to synthesize & interpret customer
data, segmentation, and performance metrics.
Proven ability to translate customer insights into actionable brand
strategies.
Experience overseeing brand identity, messaging frameworks, and
corporate communications.
Demonstrated success managing multi-channel brand programs and
large-scale campaigns.