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Partner Relations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sidley

Partner Operations Associate Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$161K - $229K/yr

... management, and other resources to implement improvements. * Serve as a key operational coordination point across Partner Relations, Partner Compensation & Evaluation, Partner Accounting, OGC, Tax ...

BCU

Lead, Company Partner Relations

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

This individual will independently manage projects related to member acquisition and building strong corporate partnerships within key corporations. To reach Engaged New Member targets for assigned ...

CSL

Employee Relations Manager

Bradley, IL · On-site

$98K - $116K/yr

The Employee Relations Manager for the Global Employee Relations group is responsible for managing ... ER Manager will work with HR Business Partners, Managers, Employees, Legal (internally & externally ...

Compass Group

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Partner with Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Risk Management on complex investigations * Support audits of employee relations data * Promote consistent application of company policies

Compass Group

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Partner with Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Risk Management on complex investigations * Support audits of employee relations data * Promote consistent application of company policies

Compass Group

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Partner with Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Risk Management on complex investigations * Support audits of employee relations data * Promote consistent application of company policies

Motorola

Public Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $115K/yr

... relations experience and strong project management and writing skills to manage external ... Partner with product and marketing teams to align communications activities * Lead the development ...

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All JobsPartner Relations JobsPartner Relations Manager JobsPartner Relations Manager Jobs in Illinois

Partner Relations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$113.8K

$224.3K

How much do partner relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for partner relations manager in Illinois is $113,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a partner relations manager typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Partner Relations Manager regularly works cross-functionally with teams such as sales, marketing, legal, and product development to ensure seamless communication and alignment with external partners. This collaboration is crucial for coordinating joint initiatives, negotiating contracts, and addressing any issues that may arise. By acting as a central point of contact, the Partner Relations Manager helps facilitate mutual goals, streamline processes, and strengthen long-term business relationships.

What does a partner relations manager do?

A Partner Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with a company's business partners. They collaborate with partners to ensure mutual success, address concerns, and identify new opportunities for growth. Their role often involves negotiating agreements, coordinating joint projects, and serving as the main point of contact between organizations. Ultimately, they help foster long-term partnerships that benefit both parties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a partner relations manager?

To thrive as a Partner Relations Manager, you need strong relationship management skills, business acumen, and typically a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, data analysis tools, and partnership agreement platforms is commonly required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and resolve conflicts with partners. These skills are essential for maintaining productive partnerships that drive mutual growth and organizational success.

What is the difference between Partner Relations Manager vs Account Manager?

AspectPartner Relations ManagerAccount Manager
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining strategic partnershipsManaging client accounts and ensuring customer satisfaction
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with external partners and internal teamsCustomer-facing, focused on client needs
Required SkillsRelationship management, negotiation, industry knowledgeCommunication, sales, customer service
Industry UsageCommon in tech, SaaS, and B2B sectorsWidespread across various industries including sales and marketing

While both roles involve relationship management, the Partner Relations Manager focuses on strategic partnerships and external collaborations, whereas the Account Manager primarily manages existing client accounts to ensure satisfaction and retention.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Partner Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Partner Relations Manager job openings:

Partner Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Partner Relations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,781 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Director of Partner Relations and Support

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Partner Relations and Support provides leadership for the Partner Relations team and plays a critical role in strengthening relationships with Food Depository partners to ensure effective, equitable, and quality food access across Cook County. This role is responsible for people leadership, operational oversight, program management and the successful execution of partner-facing initiatives and food-related projects aligned with organizational strategy.

The Director serves as a key collaborator and thought partner to the Senior Director of Partner Relations and Support, supporting the implementation of strategic priorities while ensuring day-to-day partner needs, projects, and relationship management are executed with excellence. While this role leads team operations and project execution, strategic direction and ownership of major initiatives remain with the Senior Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partner Relations Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and develop the Partner Relations team to deliver consistent, high-quality support to Food Depository partners.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement focused on partner experience and community impact.
  • Ensure partner relationships are managed with consistency, respect, and alignment to Food Depository values and standards.

Partner Support & Food-Related Projects

  • Oversee the execution of food access programs and partner-facing projects, ensuring timely implementation and alignment with established goals.
  • Support food-related initiatives that strengthen partner capacity, improve food distribution models, and enhance service delivery across the network.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director to advance equity-centered approaches in partner support and food access programming.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with internal teams—including Operations, Inventory Control, Procurement, Technology, Community Engagement, and Policy & Advocacy to coordinate partner and food-related initiatives.
  • Support organization-wide projects that require partner engagement, ensuring clear communication, implementation support, and issue resolution.
  • Serve as a connector between program strategy and operational execution.

Strategic Support & Thought Partnership

  • Act as a thought partner to the Senior Director of Partner Relations and Support by contributing insights, operational perspectives, and recommendations.
  • Support the planning and rollout of system enhancements, process improvements, and partner-facing tools (e.g., CRM, data systems).
  • Create and implement strategies that support and strengthen the capacity of our partner network, such as supporting the volunteer and training needs of our partners
  • Prepare summaries, updates, and performance insights related to partner relations and team outcomes for leadership review.  
  • Lead ongoing program review and optimization across key food access program models to ensure efficiency and delivering desired outcomes.

Performance & Quality Management

  • Ensure service standards, policies, and performance metrics are consistently followed across the Partner Relations team.
  • Identify trends, risks, and opportunities related to partner experience and recommend improvements.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and partner satisfaction.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Leadership & People Management

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Strong coaching skills with experience managing complex workloads and priorities.
  • Ability to lead through change with clarity and empathy.

Relationship & Communication Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influence skills.
  • Proven ability to build trust with external partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Skilled at navigating difficult conversations and resolving issues professionally.

Strategic & Operational Thinking

  • Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and oversee execution.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable operating in a complex, cross-functional environment.

Equity & Community-Centered Practice

  • Commitment to equity-centered approaches in food access, partner engagement, and service delivery.
  • Cultural humility and respect for community voice and lived experience.
  • Experience working in or alongside community-based organizations preferred.

Analytical & Systems Skills

  • Ability to interpret data, assess performance metrics, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Experience supporting the implementation or use of technology systems to improve partner experience.

Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Equivalent experience or Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in partner relations, community engagement, social services, program management, or a related field.
  • Prior experience leading teams and managing cross-functional projects.
  • Experience in food access, nonprofit, or community-based organizations strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus

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