📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Global Channel Partnerships
🔹 Company: KONE
🔹 Location: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-08-07
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing a channel partnership strategy to expand KONE's business coverage and market share in the aftermarket space.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver outcomes and support areas in testing go-to-market models.
- Evaluating and recommending viable business opportunities for strategic decision-making by KONE’s leadership.
- Creating compelling materials to communicate the benefits, rationale, and business cases for these strategic initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and strong relationship management skills to succeed in a matrix environment and align cross-functional efforts.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the overall strategy of the channel partnership model and develop a framework to expand KONE's business coverage and market share in the aftermarket space.
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (KTI, SC, Strategy & Transformation, and legal) to deliver right outcomes per the overall framework and intended schedule.
✅ Provide support to the areas and FLs to test and pilot the go-to-market models with right resources, competitive offerings, and a desired digital-based platform.
✅ Work with the strategy team to evaluate and recommend viable business opportunities for strategic decision-making by KONE’s leadership.
✅ Create compelling materials to communicate the benefits, rationale, and business cases for these strategic initiatives.
✅ Other responsibilities assigned by the line manager to achieve business objectives.
ASSUMPTION: The role may evolve over time as KONE's business strategies and market conditions change.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Engineering – a Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: 5-7 years of experience in channel business development, strategic partnerships, or consulting with a proven track record of success.
Required Skills:
- Strategic acumen: Ability to engage in conceptual thinking and demonstrate business leadership experience and skills.
- Relationship management: Exceptional skills in managing both external and internal relationships, with a customer-focused approach and the ability to build and maintain business relationships at a senior level.
- Proficiency in market research and analysis to effectively evaluate and capitalize on business opportunities.
- Strong business acumen with a flair for identifying and developing innovative business models and forming strategic partnerships that align with organizational goals.
- Strong negotiation skills and commercially savvy.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, ensuring clear and persuasive interactions with all stakeholders.
- Excellent presentation skills and a great command of English.
- KONE Business knowledge: A deep understanding of the KONE business environment and customers, coupled with solid knowledge of KONE’s products and offerings.
- Personal attributes: An entrepreneurial, creative, and positive person with a team-playing attitude.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in thriving within a matrix environment and aligning cross-functional efforts.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in using relevant software tools and platforms is expected for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Finland)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Pension plan
- Employee discounts on KONE products and services
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) and flexibility for remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: KONE operates in the industrial machinery manufacturing sector, focusing on elevators, escalators, and automatic doors.
Company Size: KONE is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees globally, offering ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: KONE was founded in 1910 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- KONE is committed to improving the flow of urban life by providing innovative and eco-efficient solutions for buildings, homes, and infrastructure.
- The company focuses on sustainability, safety, and reliability in its products and services.
- KONE operates in over 60 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Company Specialties:
- Elevators
- Escalators
- Automatic doors
- Elevator maintenance and modernization
- Escalator maintenance and modernization
Company Website: www.kone.com/en/
ASSUMPTION: KONE's focus on sustainability and innovation makes it an attractive employer for candidates interested in shaping the future of cities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the SVP Global Modernization.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Global Channel Partnerships will have no direct reports but will collaborate with various cross-functional teams and regional offices.
Work Arrangement: The role is primarily on-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the channel partnership model across new regions and business areas.
- Opportunities to work on strategic initiatives that drive KONE's business growth and market expansion.
- Possibility to develop leadership skills and advance within the organization.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities and career advancement opportunities within KONE.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: KONE's Espoo office is a modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on employee well-being and productivity.
Office Location(s): Keilasatama 3, Espoo, - 02150, FI
Geographic Context:
- Espoo is a vibrant city located in the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area, offering a high quality of life and numerous cultural attractions.
- The city is home to many international companies and has a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Espoo offers excellent public transportation connections, making it easy to commute from nearby cities and towns.
Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility for remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at KONE's Espoo office is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong focus on employee engagement and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site interviews with cross-functional teams
- Final interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Relationship management and communication skills
- Business acumen and commercial awareness
- Cultural fit and alignment with KONE's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of KONE's business and the channel partnership model in your application materials.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your strategic thinking, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.
ATS Keywords: Channel Partnership, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Consulting, Market Research, Business Acumen, Relationship Management, KONE, Elevators, Escalators, Aftermarket, Service, Modernization
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring team's availability.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
- Collaboration and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using relevant software tools and platforms is expected for this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Care
- Commitment
- Customer focus
- Innovation
- Sustainability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on continuous improvement and innovation
- Results-driven and customer-centric
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a matrix environment and enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams?
- Are you comfortable managing both external and internal relationships at a senior level?
- Do you have a proven track record of success in channel business development or strategic partnerships?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with KONE's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Navigating a matrix environment and aligning cross-functional efforts may present challenges for candidates who prefer more structured or hierarchical work environments.
- Developing and implementing a channel partnership model that satisfies both KONE's and partners' needs may require strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- The role may require frequent travel to meet with partners and stakeholders, which could impact work-life balance.
- KONE's strong focus on sustainability and innovation may present high expectations for performance and continuous learning.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider these potential challenges and assess their fit with their personal and professional goals before applying for this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other channel partnership roles, this position focuses more on strategic development and less on day-to-day management.
- In the industrial machinery manufacturing industry, KONE is a global leader with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, offering unique opportunities for growth and development.
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding the channel partnership model across new regions and business areas or taking on additional responsibilities within KONE's global organization.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and compare the responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits to make an informed decision about their career goals and fit with this opportunity.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive framework for KONE's channel partnership model, including business models, commercial frames, and competitive offerings roadmap.
- Evaluating and recommending viable business opportunities for strategic decision-making by KONE’s leadership, with a focus on expanding market coverage and life cycle revenue streams.
- Creating compelling materials to communicate the benefits, rationale, and business cases for strategic initiatives, tailored to various stakeholders within and outside KONE.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the Head of Global Channel Partnerships role and the impact it can have on KONE's business growth and market expansion.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of KONE's channel partnership model and the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does KONE support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in roles like this one?
- What is the expected timeline for evaluating and implementing strategic initiatives in this role, and how will my progress be measured?
- How does KONE approach collaboration and communication with external partners, and what specific challenges might I face in this role?
- What is the expected work-life balance for this role, and how does KONE support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help candidates better understand the role's requirements, expectations, and fit with their personal and professional goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on channel business development, strategic partnerships, and market research.
- Prepare for interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, relationship management, and problem-solving skills, as well as your cultural fit and alignment with KONE's values.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
