OEM Partnerships & Growth Leader

Socket.dev; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mechanix Wear seeks a Manager, Strategic Partnerships (OEM) to lead strategy, growth, and execution of OEM programs in high-hazard apparel. You will align partner ecosystems with product, compliance, and customer-safety priorities to drive profitable expansion.

This role requires deep PPE standards experience, cross-functional leadership, and complex negotiations to scale OEM engagements across industrial sectors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in OEM management, strategic partnerships, or business development within PPE, technical textiles, industrial safety, or related sectors.
• Deep understanding of high-hazard apparel standards, testing protocols, and certification processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships and deliver revenue growth.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with product, engineering, supply chain, and compliance teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the OEM strategy for flame-resistant, arc-rated, chemical-resistant, and other high-hazard apparel categories.
• Maintain and build strategic partnerships across customers and supplier network.
• Own OEM revenue targets and manage growth across high hazard apparel in line with business objectives.
• Evaluate market trends in PPE adoption, regulatory shifts, and competitive technologies to inform decisions.
• Partner with finance and operations to forecast demand, optimize margins, and ensure supply continuity.
• Collaborate with OEM strategic partners to build annual plans and multi-year roadmaps.
• Define positioning and channel strategy for OEM products vs branded offerings.
• Protect Mechanix Wear brand equity while expanding OEM reach.
• Communicate differentiation and technical attributes across OEM and branded portfolios.
• Ensure delineation decisions support long-term growth, compliance, and customer clarity.
• Manage life cycle through SKU and program maintenance.
• Serve as primary liaison for OEM partners including fabric mills, suppliers, and manufacturers.
• Lead joint development initiatives for new protective apparel systems aligned with NFPA, ASTM, ANSI, ISO standards.
• Onboard new OEM accounts with standardized SOPs covering due diligence, compliance verification, and audits.
• Coordinate cross-functional onboarding with product, R&D, supply chain, quality, and legal teams.

Job description

Mechanix Wear seeks a Manager, Strategic Partnerships (OEM) to lead strategy, growth, and execution of OEM programs in high-hazard apparel. You will align partner ecosystems with product, compliance, and customer-safety priorities to drive profitable expansion.

This role requires deep PPE standards experience, cross-functional leadership, and complex negotiations to scale OEM engagements across industrial sectors.