Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Volunteering
References
Timeline
Generic

James Kneedler

Ames,IA

Summary

Sales leader with extensive experience at IBM, specializing in SaaS solutions and data analytics. Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth and strengthen customer relationships. Skilled in training and facilitating client transitions to cloud computing. Recognized for developing strategic partnerships and implementing effective sales strategies that enhance market presence.

Currently retired as of August 1, 2024 but always looking for new and exciting opportunities!

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work History

IBM Cognos & Planning Analytics SaaS SME

IBM
St Louis, MO
01.2020 - 07.2024
  • Contributed to the formulation of strategic plans aimed at establishing Cognos and Planning Analytics SaaS solutions across the Americas (Canada, the USA, and LATAM) to guarantee sustained application success.
  • Defined measurable objectives for SaaS Practice to track advancement and analyze outcomes.
  • Facilitated training for employees and the IBM Partner Network on Cognos and Planning Analytics SaaS benefits. Emphasized competitive selling techniques and positioning strategies in these training sessions.
  • Created and presented a custom ROI template to assist sellers in demonstrating SaaS value to clients.
  • Provided insights on best practices to outperform competitors in the SaaS market.
  • Streamlined customer relations by swiftly addressing inquiries, complaints, and feedback. Partnered with IBM Sellers and IBM Partners on client calls to strengthen business relationships. Regularly closed significant deals, contributing to overall revenue growth.
  • Pinpointed improvement areas for SaaS offerings and collaborated with Product Management to enhance products addressing client demands.

Analytics SaaS Sales Leader - Midwest Region

IBM
St Louis, MO
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Spearheaded SaaS sales for IBM Analytics portfolio in Midwest Region since January 2015.
  • Developed new partnerships within the IBM Partner network to promote managed services.
  • Facilitated transition from on-premise sales to cloud-based solutions.
  • Increased recognition of Cognos BI, TM1, Incentive Compensation Management, Cloud Data Services, Maximo on Cloud, and Tririga on Cloud.
  • Led workshops to educate users on system functionalities and advantages.
  • Compiled thorough resource materials defining key features like SaaS Sales Guide, adopted globally

Sales & Integration Leader

IBM
St Louis, MO
06.2007 - 06.2010
  • Focused on sales strategy and spearheaded initiatives for IBM's Business Analytic solutions portfolio.
  • Collaborated with customers, IBM sales teams, and IBM Partner network to enhance deployment efforts.
  • Specialized in integrating sales processes with IBM Business Analytics teams, including SPSS and Cognos.
  • Led integration of Cognos workforce and partner network into the IBM sales operations.

Content Management Sales Leader - Midwest

IBM
St Louis, MO
04.2002 - 06.2007
  • Oversaw all facets of IBM's Enterprise Content Management software sales.
  • Initiated career as sales representative in St. Louis, MO.
  • Promoted to manage sales through partner channels in the Western US and Asia Pacific.
  • Served as ECM Sales Leader for Central Region of the US.
  • Acted as Integration Executive for FileNet team across Western US post-acquisition.

VP Sales & Services IBM Business Partners

MOSI & Allegiant Group
Omaha, NE
12.1997 - 04.2002
  • Directed sales and services strategies as VP at two Lotus Consulting firms, Allegiant Group and MOSI, both acknowledged as IBM Premier Partners.
  • Concentrated on developing Lotus Notes applications and customizing websites; specialized in Lotus Notes on AS/400.
  • Implemented strategic initiatives to improve sales performance and client satisfaction.

Systems Engineer & Client Manager for UPRR

IBM
Omaha, NE
06.1987 - 12.1997
  • Joined IBM as Systems Engineer for Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Account in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Served five years in the engineering role before transitioning to client management.
  • Focused on sales for Engineering and Marketing divisions at UPRR.
  • Achieved multiple promotions, ultimately becoming Client Manager for UPRR Account.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics & Chemical Engineering

Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
05-1987

Skills

  • SaaS solutions
  • Data analytics
  • Customer relationship management
  • Sales strategy
  • Training and facilitation
  • Cloud computing

Awards

  • Numerous 100% Clubs and (1) Golden Circle for Sales Excellence - achieving and exceeding annual quotas
  • Awarded the Boy Scouts of America "Eagle Scout Award" as an Adult in 1997

Volunteering

  • Volunteering: Boy Scouts of American, Meals on Wheels, Science Fairs, Annual "Giving" Tree, and summer Youth Camps

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

IBM Cognos & Planning Analytics SaaS SME

IBM
01.2020 - 07.2024

Analytics SaaS Sales Leader - Midwest Region

IBM
01.2015 - 01.2020

Sales & Integration Leader

IBM
06.2007 - 06.2010

Content Management Sales Leader - Midwest

IBM
04.2002 - 06.2007

VP Sales & Services IBM Business Partners

MOSI & Allegiant Group
12.1997 - 04.2002

Systems Engineer & Client Manager for UPRR

IBM
06.1987 - 12.1997

Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics & Chemical Engineering

Colorado School of Mines

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