Experienced Strategic Customer Success Manager and Team Leader – Driving Business Growth through Customer-Centric Solutions at blithequark
Introduction to blithequark blithequark is a pioneering force in empowering physical operations with cutting-edge tools to enhance safety, productivity, and profitability. By providing a comprehensive platform that integrates the management of drivers, vehicles, equipment, and fleet-related spend, blithequark has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Leveraging industry-leading AI, the blithequark platform offers unparalleled visibility, control, and automation, significantly reducing manual workloads and simplifying tasks. With a diverse customer base spanning over 100,000 clients across various industries, including transportation, logistics, construction, energy, and more, blithequark is committed to helping businesses achieve their full potential. About the Role The Manager, Strategic Customer Success at blithequark is a pivotal leadership position within our Enterprise Sales Organization. As a seasoned leader, you will be responsible for overseeing the career development, recruiting efforts, account-level strategy, retention, and upsell targets for our remote, US-based team. Collaborating closely with Directors of Strategic Accounts and Regional Vice Presidents, as well as other departments, you will ensure our Customer Success Managers (CSMs) effectively enable our most valuable customers to achieve business success through blithequark's suite of innovative solutions. The ideal candidate is an exceptional leader with deep experiential knowledge of how high-growth SaaS companies leverage Customer Success best practices to drive growth and retention. This role emphasizes a focus on client business outcomes, extending beyond mere product adoption. Our Strategic CSMs build robust, trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, including C-level executives, and act as trusted advisors, providing tailored guidance and support to help clients overcome their most pressing challenges. Key Responsibilities Lead a team of 6-9 Strategic Customer Success Managers to exceed their retention goals for a portfolio of high-value, high-complexity strategic accounts, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Develop and iteratively refine playbooks that drive outcomes for blithequark's strategic clients, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and the company's overall vision. Leverage data and analytics to advocate for the client base, monitor team performance, and accurately forecast business outcomes, including net revenue retention and gross retention rate, to inform strategic decisions. Own advocating for strategic clients with internal stakeholders to drive value and ensure client outcomes are achieved, serving as the voice of the customer within the organization and championing their needs. Manage pipeline reviews, escalations, team meetings, and expectations around Executive Business Reviews and Account Planning, delivering high-touch, white-glove service to large, key accounts and ensuring seamless communication. Define and execute tailored success plans to help strategic customers achieve their business objectives, identifying and formalizing solutions to their biggest challenges and providing proactive support. Identify and pursue upsell and cross-sell opportunities in collaboration with sales, expanding the scope of blithequark's solutions and driving revenue growth. Monitor customer health, proactively mitigate risks, and secure renewals, ensuring long-term relationships and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with product development, sales, and marketing teams to communicate customer feedback and advocate for improvements that align with client needs, driving innovation and growth. Cultivate and manage strong internal and external relationships to ensure our customers' needs are consistently driven forward, fostering a network of strategic partnerships and alliances. Essential Qualifications 5+ years of proven track record in successfully leading a high-performing Customer Success team in B2B SaaS, with a focus on strategic or enterprise clients, and a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges. Demonstrated ability to lead a team of 6-9 CSMs with Strategic clients, each carrying a book of business over $4M in ARR, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth and customer retention. Execution-focused leader with an emphasis on process excellence, utilizing technology, specifically AI, to drive efficiency and innovation, and a strong understanding of data-driven decision making. Ability to leverage data to inform decision-making and identify opportunities to service the existing account base better, translating data into actionable insights and driving business outcomes. Collaborative leader that fosters strong internal partnerships with key stakeholders to effectively advocate for clients, and a strong understanding of growth and retention strategies in B2B environments. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage C-level executives and tailor messaging to diverse audiences, and a proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers. Experience with change management, motivating and overcoming barriers to significant, transformational change, and a strong understanding of the importance of customer-centricity in driving business success. Preferred Qualifications Telematics and hardware experience, although not required, would be a significant plus, as would experience working with AI-powered solutions and a strong understanding of the technology landscape. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, understanding their unique needs and driving successful outcomes, and a deep understanding of the customer journey and its challenges. Demonstrated experience in managing complex internal and external relationships to achieve customer success objectives, and a strong ability to navigate complex organizational structures and stakeholder dynamics. Skills and Competencies To succeed in this role, you will need to possess a unique blend of leadership, strategic, and interpersonal skills, including: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire high-performing teams, and a proven ability to drive results and achieve goals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with customers, stakeholders, and team members, and a strong ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and develop actionable insights, and a strong understanding of the industry and its challenges. Collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and a strong ability to drive change and innovation. Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and a strong ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty. Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits At blithequark, we are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their careers. As a Manager, Strategic Customer Success, you will have access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including: Comprehensive training programs, designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your role, and a strong focus on continuous learning and professional development. Coaching and mentoring, provided by experienced leaders and industry experts, and a strong emphasis on feedback and growth. Opportunities for career advancement, both within the Customer Success team and across the organization, and a strong focus on internal mobility and career growth. Access to industry-leading technologies and tools, including AI-powered solutions, and a strong emphasis on innovation and experimentation. A collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork, innovation, and customer-centricity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Work Environment and Company Culture At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our dynamic and collaborative work environment, which is designed to foster innovation, creativity, and growth. Our company culture is built around a set of core values, including: A customer-centric approach, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, and a strong emphasis on customer feedback and satisfaction. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive to all, and a strong emphasis on diversity and representation. A culture of innovation and experimentation, with a focus on driving growth and improvement, and a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. A collaborative and teamwork-oriented approach, with a focus on working together to achieve common goals, and a strong emphasis on communication and feedback. A commitment to employee growth and development, with a focus on providing opportunities for learning and career advancement, and a strong emphasis on internal mobility and career growth. Compensation, Perks, and Benefits At blithequark, we offer a competitive compensation package, including a base salary, commissions, and benefits. The compensation range for this position will depend on where you reside, but the on-target earnings (base pay + commissions) are expected to be between $240,000 and $301,000 USD. In addition to your salary, you will also be eligible for a range of perks and benefits, including: Comprehensive health, pharmacy, optical, and dental care benefits, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being and health. Paid time off, sick time off, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility. 401k contribution, and a strong emphasis on employee financial well-being and retirement planning. Access to industry-leading technologies and tools, including AI-powered solutions, and a strong emphasis on innovation and experimentation. A collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork, innovation, and customer-centricity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conclusion If you are a motivated and experienced leader, with a passion for customer success and a proven track record of driving growth and retention, we encourage you to apply for the Manager, Strategic Customer Success role at blithequark. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative company, with a strong focus on customer-centricity, diversity, and inclusion. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to make a real impact on our customers' businesses, while also developing your skills and advancing your career. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity – apply today to join the blithequark team and start driving business growth through customer-centric solutions!