Channel Director, Central (Chicago)

Ready to make a real impactincybersecurity At Critical Startwerenot just protecting organizations;wereredefining howitsdone.Werea team united by an inspiring purpose: to stop breaches simplify security and shape the future of cyber defense. Ifyourepassionate aboutcutting-edgetechnology thrive in a collaborative environment and want your work to truly matteryouvefound your home.

wevebeen helping organizations outpace evolving attacks with fasterresponse fewer escalations and measurable risk reduction.

Innovationisntjust a buzzword here;itsour DNA. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go detection and response infused AI into automated alert resolution toeliminatenoise and slashed investigation time by an astounding 99.3%.Weretransforming how security teams work and you could be a part of it. From AI-assisted triage to analyst copilots that elevate humanexpertise we combine machine intelligence with human judgment to deliveroutcomesourcustomerstrust.

Ifyourelooking for a high-trust high-impact team where your ideas are amplified by AI and valued by colleagues and customers alike Critical Start is the place for you. Come build the future of cybersecurity with us.

Wantto hear from our team Watchthese videosto gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look.

The Channel Director will focus on partners within the assigned region and develop strategies to grow Critical Starts Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services through those partnerships. This role is responsible for building and executing a regional partner strategy. You will manage and strengthen relationships with Critical Starts partners by collaborating cross-functionally with channel teams field sales technical sales sales operations and marketing. This role is also accountable for overall business execution and performance management with partners in the assigned region.Strong communication and collaboration skills along with a results-driven and proactive approach are essential to support revenue growth through assigned partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a regional partner plan aligned with business objectives.
• Establish and maintain weekly monthly and quarterly engagement cadences with key partner stakeholders to create and execute tailored plans for each partner.
• Build maintain and deepen partner relationships to drive increased sales opportunities.
• Manage partner contracts in alignment with company policies and business goals.
• Develop accurate sales forecasts and achieve monthly quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Serve as a trusted and valued resource to partners by providing guidance support and expertise.
• Collaborate with field marketing and local channel teams to plan execute and manage effective partner communications and demand generation campaigns.

• Develop and manage processes to ensure effective and efficient order processing across month-end quarter-end and fiscal year-end cycles.

• Establish and strengthen partnerships with vendors within the MDR technology stack and execute joint go-to-market plans to drive partner demand.

Required Qualifications:

• 8 years of experience in channel management.
• 5 years of experience in channel sales management within vendor or partner-led environments.
• Working knowledge of selling technology solutions across multiple market segments from Enterprise to SMB.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex partner and territory plans and strategies.
• Experience developing business plans contributing to strategic planning and creating reporting to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI).
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior-level partner and distribution executives.
• Strong presentation skills including the ability to articulate market trends and transitions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership capability including experience developing and managing virtual or distributed sales teams.
• Strong time management organizational and negotiation skills.
• Professional experience in IT sales and business development.
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting to varied audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally on a regular basis.
• Strong understanding of the sales process and channel sales models.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced growing organization.
• Prior experience successfully selling security solutions and services through channel partners.

Imagine a dynamic enjoyable and rewarding work environment. We are professionals and the work we do holds immense significance like saving our customers from potential disasters. However we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously.

Prefer a casual dress code every day No problem as we find comfort enhances our thinking.

Our workplace in Plano TX offers open offices collaborative meeting spaces phone rooms and wellness the breakroom friendly competition arises with games like ping-pong bubble hockey machine foosball orthe gamingmachine. What harm does a little healthy competition among friends do

What does our Compensation and Benefits package entail

• Competitive salary with bonus potential

• Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical dental andvision

• Additional Ancillary Benefits offered at 100% employee contribution

• Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy

• Paid Parental and Military Leave

• Dental and Vision Plan

• Employer-provided Life Insurance Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability coverage

• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage

• 401(k) Plan with Matching Program

• Mines Employee Assistance Program

• Monthly Wellness Initiatives

• Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan

We prioritize your privacy and security.Please note that Critical Start will never request financial information or sensitive personal data during the interview process.If youencounterany suspicious requests do not respond and contact us directly at Thank you for helping usmaintaina safe and trustworthy hiring experience.

Critical Start welcomes people from all backgrounds andwalks of life. One of our core values is to Do whats best for our employees and that starts with the hiring process by finding the best candidates and providing an environment that upholds equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment based on race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

This policy encompasses all aspects of employment including recruitment hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Mental and Physical Requirements

Itsimportant to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of theofficejob organization and individual responsibilities.

Physical:

• Stationary position for extended periods of time.

• Constantlyoperatea computer.

• Occasionally you maybe requiredto move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs.

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.Mustbe able to exchangeaccurateinformation in these situations.

Mental:

• Must be able to apply established protocolsin a timely manner.

• Maketimelydecisions in the context of workflow.

• Ability to complete tasks and perform in situations requiring speed deadlines or productivity quota.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress situations.

• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex problems.

For positions that can or will be performed in whole or in part remotely within the U.S. range and benefits information for this position are being includedin accordance withrequirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors including but not limited to location of the role individual competencies education/professional certifications experience performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (sales roles only).

Compensation:

The total compensation range (base) being offered for this role is $150000 - $180000.

Additional Compensation:

This role is eligible for the following: performance-based variable compensation.

Employment Benefits:

Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical dental and vision unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy paid Parental and Military Leave dental and vision plan Employer-provided Life Insurance (up to $100K coverage) Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability coverage 401(k) Plan with Matching Program 24/7/365 availability of Employee Assistance Program.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for this position is February 6 2026 .

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to visit our career site and apply for the position: Experience:

Director