Director of Channels - Midwest

Eon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Eon is building a global partner ecosystem and is seeking a Director of Channels to lead recruitment, development, and management of strategic channel partners in the central region.

The role focuses on driving pipeline, revenue, and partner success through proactive enablement, playbooks, and go-to-market initiatives, with close collaboration across Sales and Marketing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in channel sales, partner management, or business development in SaaS or cybersecurity.
• Proven track record with VARs, distributors, MSSPs, or resellers.
• Experience driving pipeline and revenue through partners.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup with a hands-on approach.
• Experience in high-growth SaaS companies is a plus.
• Experience building channel programs at fast-growing startups.

Responsibilities

• Identify, recruit, and onboard strategic channel partners including VARs, distributors, MSSPs, and resellers.
• Develop long-term partner relationships and grow their business with Eon.
• Provide onboarding, enablement, and ongoing engagement for partners.
• Drive pipeline and revenue through channel partners and support deal progression.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Customer Success to support partner success.

Skills

Channel sales

Partner management

Business development

Relationship building

Negotiation

Communication skills

Startup environment

Job description

At Eon, we’re transforming cloud backups into useful assets for the first time ever. Backed by prominent investors including Sequoia, Lightspeed, and Bond, along with leading industry experts, our groundbreaking Cloud Backup Posture Management (CBPM) platform provides instant visibility and access across all cloud environments—turning every backup into a searchable and accessible data asset.

We are an ambitious and collaborative team driven to redefine what’s possible in cloud technology. Joining Eon means working with talented people who are passionate about innovation and impact, and having the opportunity to help shape the future of cloud backup.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated Director of Channels to join Eon and help expand our global partner ecosystem in the central region.

This role combines partner development, business growth, and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is proactive, commercially driven, and passionate about building strong relationships with partners that drive meaningful revenue growth.

As a Director of Channels, you will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, and managing strategic partners while enabling them to successfully position and sell Eon’s platform. You will play a key role in building and expanding Eon’s partner ecosystem and helping drive pipeline and revenue through the channel.

Key Responsibilities

Partner Recruitment & Development

• Identify, recruit, and onboard strategic channel partners including VARs, distributors, MSSPs, and resellers.
• Develop strong, long-term relationships with partners and help them grow their business with Eon.
• Support partners with onboarding, enablement, and ongoing engagement.

Revenue & Pipeline Generation

• Drive pipeline and revenue through channel partners.
• Work closely with partners to identify opportunities and support deal progression.
• Monitor partner performance and help optimize their engagement and results.

Partner Enablement

• Deliver training, resources, and enablement materials to ensure partners are equipped to position and sell Eon’s platform.
• Help develop playbooks and go-to-market initiatives to support partner success.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales and Marketing on joint go-to-market initiatives with partners.
• Coordinate with Product and Customer Success teams to support partner and customer success.
• Act as a key point of contact between partners and internal teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in channel sales, partner management, or business development within SaaS, enterprise software, or cybersecurity companies.
• Proven experience working with VARs, distributors, MSSPs, or reseller ecosystems.
• Track record of driving pipeline and revenue through partners.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment with a hands-on and proactive approach.
• Experience working in high-growth SaaS companies—an advantage.
• Experience in building successful channel programs at fast growing startup companies.