DEPARTMENT: Sales - Arizona
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations, Carrier Development and Marketing
JOB SUMMARY:The Strategic Brand and Relations Manager is responsible for strengthening the ILS brand, developing executive-level relationships, improving customer experience, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
This role serves as a bridge between Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure a consistent and professional company image while creating opportunities for business growth. The position focuses on executive relationship development, brand positioning, strategic communication, leadership development, customer experience improvement, and support of high-value business opportunities.
The Strategic Brand & Relations Manager represents ILS with customers, prospects, industry associations, strategic partners, government organizations, community leaders, and executive stakeholders while helping elevate the company's market position and long-term growth strategy.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Identify and target key decision-makers within priority/strategic industries (automotive, aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, etc.)
- Creates and execute a multi-level prospecting plan: in-person visits, calls, emails, meetings, institutional and personal social media.
- Build relationships with C-level, VP, and Director-level stakeholders. Lead and coordinate introductory meetings and strategic discussions with target accounts
- Conduct initial discovery conversations to understand customer needs, identify logistics pain points and validate opportunity potential. Ensure all opportunities meet defined qualification criteria before handoff
- Participate in Sales Department meetings (group or individual) to ensure consistent performance with the sales budget.
- Stay updated with changes in the services offered by ILS to keep the client informed and find new opportunities.
- Coordinate with Business Development Representatives and Sales Managers to close prospects by facilitating a structured hand off. Ensure there is no loss of momentum during transitions.
- Utilize a combination of existing relationships, industry contacts, referrals, networking events, industry associations and strategic partners and agents to expand personal and company network within key/target industries.
- Develop and maintain a consistent corporate narrative and value proposition that aligns with ILS growth objectives and market positioning.
- Re-engage in opportunities when executive-level alignment is needed, strategic deals require additional influence or escalations require senior relationship support.
- Collaborate with Marketing to ensure consistency across presentations, proposals, website content, LinkedIn presence, event materials, and customer-facing communications.
- Support the Carrier Development team in finding new carriers in your area.
- Fully comply with ILS values and policies.
- Lead customer experience improvement initiatives by gathering customer feedback, conducting executive business reviews, identifying service gaps, and recommending improvements.
- Support leadership in developing executive presentations, strategic communications, conference speaking opportunities, and growth-related initiatives.
- Develop communication standards, presentation guidelines, and customer engagement best practices to strengthen the sales process and client experience
- Facilitate leadership, communication, and executive presence development programs for sales and management personnel.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor positioning, nearshoring developments, customer expansion plans, and market opportunities and communicate findings to leadership.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education, experience, certification):- Bachelor's Degree preferred in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
- 5+ years in strategic communications, business development, client relations, marketing, public relations, branding, sales enablement, or related field
- Experience interacting with executive-level stakeholders.
- Experience developing presentations, communication strategies, and relationship-building initiatives.
- Logistics experience preferred but not required.
- Bilingual Preferred but not required
JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:- Executive-level communication and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking and business planning capabilities
- Advanced prospecting, networking, and business development skills
- Strong negotiation and influencing abilities
- Business relationship management and stakeholder engagement
- Brand positioning and strategic messaging expertise
- Public speaking, presentation, and executive briefing skills
- Project management and organizational planning proficiency
- Cross-functional collaboration and partnership development
- Internal and external customer focus
- Ability to influence and drive results without direct authority
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Industry knowledge and market awareness
- Adaptability and effectiveness in changing business environments
- Self-starter with a high level of initiative and accountability
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Results-oriented mindset with the ability to execute strategic objectives
- Ability to build credibility and trust across all levels of an organization
WORKING CONDITIONS:- Hybrid position with remote flexibility. On-site presence may be required based on business or operational needs.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
- Travel required approximately 15%, including potential international travel.
- Must maintain a valid driver's license and proper documentation for international travel.
