Remote Critical Thinking Instructor Jobs in Tennessee

This role is fully remote and can be hired anywhere within the continental U.S.

The Deal Desk Analyst supports pricing strategy, deal analysis, margin optimization, and commercial decision-making within Optiv's security technology business. This role is heavily focused on pricing analytics, financial modeling, benchmarking, and data-driven recommendations that help improve profitability while supporting revenue growth objectives.

Working closely with Sales, Client Operations Specialists (COS), Finance, and business leadership, the Deal Desk Analyst evaluates complex deal scenarios, identifies pricing and margin opportunities, assesses commercial risk, and develops recommendations that support both customer and company objectives.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, intellectually curious, and comfortable operating in ambiguous situations. They possess strong independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to move beyond standard analysis, challenge assumptions, connect data points, and develop creative, actionable recommendations. This individual must be capable of using data to tell a story, influence decision-making, and provide practical guidance in a fast-paced, highly dynamic sales environment.

How you'll make an impact

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Sales and COS teams by providing counsel on deal strategy, pricing recommendations, margin optimization, and commercial negotiations for large, complex, and financially sensitive transactions.

• Analyze sales opportunities to identify risks, pricing pressure, margin improvement opportunities, and alternative solution configurations that optimize commercial outcomes.

• Develop and leverage pricing models, benchmark analyses, and business insights to support data-driven pricing recommendations.

• Apply independent judgment and critical thinking to evaluate unique deal scenarios, challenge assumptions, and recommend creative solutions that balance profitability, competitiveness, customer expectations, and long-term account value.

• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, COS, Finance, Vendor Management, and leadership teams to understand business objectives and develop pricing strategies that support growth and margin goals.

• Analyze historical transaction data, customer purchasing patterns, vendor pricing, and market benchmarks to identify actionable insights and improve pricing decisions.

• Support reporting and analysis related to strategic pricing investments, margin exceptions, and approved low-margin opportunities to improve visibility and accountability.

• Participate in initiatives focused on process improvement, pricing optimization, reporting enhancements, automation, and operational efficiency.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and collaborate with stakeholders to implement practical, scalable solutions.

What we're looking for

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently evaluate complex business situations and make sound recommendations.

• Medium to advanced Excel skills, including experience working with large datasets, formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and financial analysis.

• Experience analyzing dynamic pricing environments or complex commercial scenarios involving competing priorities and unique circumstances.

• Ability to synthesize large volumes of data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for business stakeholders.

• Strong business acumen with an understanding of deal economics, customer behavior, competitive dynamics, and the long-term impact of pricing decisions.

• Ability to challenge assumptions, ask thoughtful questions, and identify opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and effectively explain recommendations.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Knowledge of pricing strategy, margin management, discounting practices, and the financial impact of commercial decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Data Analytics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field

• 2+ years of experience in pricing strategy, Deal Desk, financial analysis, FP&A, data analytics, consulting, client services, sales operations, or related business functions

• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms.

• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, or other reporting and analytics tools.

• Experience developing pricing models, financial models, dashboards, or executive-level reporting.

• Experience supporting sales organizations or working in customer-facing commercial environments.

• Experience within technology, cybersecurity, software, SaaS, services, or channel/reseller businesses.

What you can expect from Optiv

• A company committed to our inclusive value through our Employee Resource Groups

• Work/life balance

• Professional training resources

• Creative problem-solving and the ability to tackle unique, complex projects

• Volunteer Opportunities. "Optiv Chips In" encourages employees to volunteer and engage with their teams and communities.

• The ability and technology necessary to productively work remotely/from home (where applicable)

EEO Statement

Optiv is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age 40 and over, marital status, genetic information, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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