EU Distribution Partner Account Manager in Bracknell

Are you looking for a new opportunity that offers meaningful work with true purpose? We would love to welcome you to our multinational team! Your growth is our growth. We invest in your future by enhancing your skills and abilities through training opportunities and interesting challenges.

At Panasonic, we believe in the power of collaboration - only together can we continue to expand our innovative edge and exceed our customers’ expectations. We are a powerful brand with a rich company culture, based on our 7 principles. It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it. To fulfil our social responsibilities, we will continue to do what we have done for over 100 years - to enrich people’s lives at home and at work, and move society forward.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The EU Distribution Partner Account Manager is the owner of the strategic relationship between Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and our major European distribution partners. They are responsible for executing the pan-European distribution strategy, ensuring alignment with our major distributors across Europe, while ensuring operational excellence and sales operation support. Crucially, this role serves as the bridge between high-level strategy and local execution. They will act as a subject matter expert and support system for local Partner Account Managers (PAMs), helping them navigate relationships with local pan-European distributors’ branches and local / national distributors.

The role will include:

• Strategic Relationship Management

• Ownership: Serve as the primary point of contact for the central management teams of our strategic EU distributors.
• Executive Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with C-level executives and senior management within the distribution channel to foster collaboration, mutual growth, and long-term loyalty.
• Business Planning: Lead the creation of Channel Growth Plan (CGP) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs). Set and monitor sales targets, KPIs, and mutual performance goals.
• Contract Management: Oversee contracts, ensuring compliance, managing renewals, and aligning commercial terms with regional requirements.

• Matrix Leadership: Provide "dotted line" support and guidance to local Partner Account Managers. Help them unlock opportunities or resolve conflicts with local entities of the EU distributors.
• Local Partner Enablement: Support the onboarding and management of local / national distributors where specific market coverage is required.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the interface between Distribution and internal Panasonic teams.

• Forecasting & Inventory: Work closely with Panasonic Factory Representative to forecast demand accurately. Manage stock levels, backlog tracking, and "End of Life" (EOL) transitions to optimize availability and minimize stock rotation.
• Data Integrity: Own the collection and analysis of Point of Sale (POS) and inventory reports. Ensure data accuracy in the CRM and reporting tools.
• Process Optimization: Actively support the evolution of TOUGHBOOK distribution models, internally and externally, aligning with the global channel sale strategy. Resolve operational escalations (credit facilities, stock allocation and rotation) to ensure a "best in class" service experience for partners.

• Growth Initiatives: Collaborate with the Solutions team and the Marketing team to design and execute distributor campaigns, spiffs, and incentive programs that drive partner recruitment.
• MDF Management: Manage allocated funds (Market Development Funds (MDF) to maximize ROI on distribution marketing activities.
• Training: Ensure distributors’ internal sales teams are fully enabled through our new Basecamp enablement program.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A Relevant University Degree or equivalent practical and vocational knowledge with 5 years+ related or direct experience.
• Distribution Expertise: Deep understanding of the IT Distribution landscape (Broadline and Specialized) is essential. Previous experience working at a distributor or managing one is highly preferred.
• Rugged/Tech Knowledge: Familiarity with rugged computing, networking principles, or enterprise mobility solutions is a distinct advantage.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication in English. A second European language is highly desirable.
• Operational Finesse: Strong analytical skills with the ability and experience to interpret sales data, manage complex spreadsheets, data visualization tools and ability to utilize CRM tools effectively.
• Strategic Negotiation: Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial terms and managing relationships at a senior management level.
• Matrix Management: Ability to influence without direct authority, managing relationships across different countries and cultures within Europe.
• Understands impact of legislation and law regulations relevant to the business or function.
• Challenger approach.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel across Europe 60% of the time.
• Location: Please note that this role has the potential to be based in any European country where we have a recognised business entity.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A challenging strategic role where you can actively contribute to the company's success and take on responsibility.
• International work environment.
• Variety of training and development opportunities.
• Attractive remuneration package and other benefits.
• Generous mobile working option.
• High Work-Life Balance.

ABOUT US

Panasonic is one of the largest and leading electronic product manufacturers in the world. The depth and variety of our research capabilities, manufacturing expertise, high quality and sophisticated products have remained strong since 1918. Our mission is to create the Panasonic business of "tomorrow." By integrating business, technology, and creativity, we will realize ideal lifestyles and societies solving social issues globally.

Panasonic Connect Europe is a business-to-business focused and agile organisation. With more than 400 employees, the business aims to contribute to the success of its customers with innovative products and integrated systems and services - all designed to deliver its vision to Change Work, Advance Society and Connect to Tomorrow.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Fairness and equality are in our DNA. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where people feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We want to ensure that our people are respected for who they are as individuals, valued for what they do and celebrated for their contribution to our business and our community. We are committed to promoting inclusion for the success of our business.

Panasonic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, or any other characteristics.