Account Executive (Outside Sales - Data Centers)

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 Account Executive.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a high-performing Account Executive to drive growth across the data center ecosystem, with a focus on selling to system integrators (SIs), equipment manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This role is responsible for generating new business, expanding strategic accounts, and positioning our solutions as essential components within partner solutions and customer deployments. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of data center infrastructure, hardware/software integration, connectivity solutions, power/thermal technologies, and ecosystem partner dynamics. This person excels in complex solution selling, builds deep relationships across technical and business teams, and thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Identifies opportunities for campaigns, services, and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales
• Using knowledge of the market and competitors, identifies and develops the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators
• Develops a thorough knowledge of products in the company catalog as well as products our suppliers offerStays up to date with the latest Data Center cooling trends, supply chain needs and associated participants.
• Participates in training opportunities and self-study to increase product and industry knowledge and to improve personal performance
• Tracks and records activity on accounts to close deals to meet targets
• Own the full sales cycle from prospecting to close for targeted SIs, equipment manufacturers, and OEM accounts.
• Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities within the data center ecosystem.
• Ensure visibility to full entitlement withing target opportunities.  Lead capture strategy to maximize scope of work.
• Build and execute territory and account plans aligned to revenue goals and partner strategies.
• Present value propositions, solution architectures, and ROI models tailored to customer needs.
• Ensure Kele’s offers of sale align with the unique needs of each customer type. 
• Create proposals that convey the value unique value propositions for each offer of sale
• Expand wallet share within existing accounts by understanding customer roadmaps, challenges, and integration requirements.
• Develop long-term, strategic relationships with engineering, supply chain, procurement, and executive stakeholders.
• Navigate multi-functional decision-making processes within system integrators and OEMs.
• Drive joint sales activities, solution positioning, and go-to-market motions with partner organizations.
• Maintain high customer satisfaction and support smooth onboarding, integration, and deployment cycles.
• Work closely with product, engineering, operations, and marketing teams to align offerings with partner needs. Specifically works with product management team to ensure Data Center offering aligns with customer needs on an ongoing basis.
• Provide market and customer feedback to influence product roadmaps and competitive positioning.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecast updates in CRM systems.
• Track performance against quarterly goals and develop plans to accelerate growth.
• Provide competitive insights, market trends, and account intelligence to internal leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of five years of related work experience
• 5+ years of experience in B2B technology sales, preferably in data center hardware, infrastructure, connectivity, components, or integrated systems.
• Experience selling into system integrators, equipment manufacturers, or OEMs.
• Strong understanding of data center design, architecture, and ecosystem partners.
• Demonstrated ability to close complex, multi-stakeholder deals.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding quotas in a technical solution-selling environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent relevant work experience

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