Senior Manager, Supplier Marketing

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 Senior Manager, Supplier Marketing.
 
 

SUMMARY  

The Senior Supplier Marketing Manager develops enterprise marketing strategies for supplier partners and Kele’s private label brand to drive customer adoption, revenue growth, and expansion of Kele’s cooperative marketing program.

Guided by Brand Strategy insights and enterprise goals, this individual recommends supplier and portfolio priorities. They partner with internal teams and suppliers to build joint growth plans, secure marketing investments, and reach priority customer audiences.

This role builds the foundation for Supplier Marketing across the Kele enterprise, with significant opportunity to scale the program, its capabilities, and its business impact.

This position reports to the VP, Brand Strategy and is preferably based in Memphis, TN.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Priority Supplier Brands & Private Label Marketing Strategy – Develop marketing plans for priority supplier partners and Kele’s private label lines within the strategy established by the VP, Brand Strategy. Prioritize audiences, products, and marketing investments based on customer needs, market opportunity, and business objectives.
• Cooperative Marketing Program – Grow and manage supplier co-op investments. Develop joint marketing plans, secure commitments, partner with the Marketing team to coordinate campaign execution and co-op program administration and demonstrate the value of Kele’s customer engagement capabilities through measurable results.
• Product Launch Campaign Strategy – Develop strategy briefs for supplier and private label product launches, defining the audience, positioning, messaging, proof points, and business goals. Partner with marketing partners to translate the strategy into channel plans, assets, and execution.
• Performance & Improvement – Track co-op investment, campaign effectiveness, product adoption, and commercial results. Use customer insights, competitive intelligence, and performance data to recommend improvements to marketing priorities, investment allocation, and the Supplier Marketing operating model.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in supplier, product, or strategic marketing within B2B markets; distribution or industrial experience preferred.
• Experience translating customer insights and business goals into supplier priorities, product positioning, and actionable marketing briefs.
• Demonstrated ability to pitch marketing programs, build compelling investment proposals, and secure supplier participation and funding.
• Strong relationship management and cross-functional leadership skills to align suppliers and internal teams on execution.
• Ability to build scalable marketing programs, processes, and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Skills and competencies

• Commercially minded and data-informed, using results to demonstrate value and guide future investment.
• Persuasive presenter who pitches Kele’s marketing capabilities and builds a compelling case for supplier investment.
• Strong partner who aligns supplier objectives with Kele’s customer needs and growth opportunities.
• Skilled at translating product benefits into customer-focused positioning, messaging, proof points, and clear launch and campaign briefs.
• Collaborative leader who translates strategy into clear briefs and aligns with the broader Marketing team on campaign execution and co-op administration.
• Strong prioritization and project management skills, balancing supplier commitments, business priorities, timelines, and resources.
• Entrepreneurial and adaptable, with the ability to build and scale Supplier Marketing across the Kele enterprise.

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