Strategic Partner Development Manager Jobs in Barrington, IL

Description

Company Overview: 

When it comes to IT solution providers, there are a lot of choices. But when it comes to providers with innovative and differentiating end-to-end service offerings, there’s really only one: Zones – First Choice for IT.TM 

Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in business for over 35 years, specializing in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done. Follow Zones, LLC on Twitter @Zones, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Position Overview: 

The Business Development Manager (BDM) – Cisco is responsible for driving revenue growth, profitability, market share, and strategic alignment across Zones' Cisco business. This role serves as a primary liaison between Cisco and Zones sales teams to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that accelerate growth across commercial, enterprise, public sector, healthcare, and SMB segments.

The BDM will develop and maintain relationships within Cisco’s Sales and Partner organizations, identify new growth opportunities, champion Cisco programs and incentives, and enable sales teams to effectively position Cisco solutions and services. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking, partner management, financial acumen, and sales enablement expertise to achieve aggressive revenue and profitability objectives.

What you will do as the Business Development Manager (BDM) – Cisco:  

The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, and the duties and responsibilities may change without notice. 

Strategic Partner Management 

• Build and maintain strong executive, sales, and channel relationships within Cisco.
• Develop and execute annual and quarterly business plans aligned to company growth objectives.
• Partner with Cisco leadership to identify strategic initiatives, emerging technologies, and market opportunities.
• Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point between Cisco and Zones sales stakeholders.

Revenue Growth & Business Development 

• Drive Cisco revenue, margin, and profitability targets.
• Develop growth strategies across key Cisco portfolios (networking, security, collaboration, cloud & AI & services), emerging technologies (i.e Splunk, observability), software/subscriptions/enterprise agreements/recurring revenue, Cisco powered managed services and Cisco lifecycle, customer success and professional services.
• Identify and cultivate new customer acquisition opportunities through joint sales motions.
• Drive participation in deal registration, special pricing, rebate, and incentive programs.
• Lead quarterly business reviews and performance discussions with Cisco stakeholders.

Sales Enablement 

• Educate and enable sales teams on Cisco solutions, programs, competitive positioning, and value propositions.
• Develop sales plays, campaigns, and solution offerings that align with Cisco priorities.
• Coordinate training sessions, product launches, and field engagement activities.
• Provide support for strategic opportunities and large enterprise pursuits.

Marketing & Demand Generation 

• Partner with Marketing to create and execute Cisco-focused campaigns.
• Coordinate MDF planning and execution to maximize lead generation and pipeline development.
• Support partner events, webinars, executive briefings, and customer engagement activities.
• Measure and report campaign effectiveness and ROI.

Financial & Operational Management 

• Monitor revenue, margin, rebate attainment, and profitability performance.
• Track key partner metrics and identify corrective actions when necessary.
• Oversee MDF utilization, forecasting, and compliance requirements.
• Develop business cases supporting investment and growth initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with corporate financial objectives and partner commitments.

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Collaborate with Sales, Solutions Architects, Operations/Supply Chain, Finance, Services, and Marketing teams.
• Drive organizational alignment around Cisco growth initiatives.
• Support strategic planning, forecasting, and business reviews.
• Provide market intelligence regarding competitive trends and customer demand.

What you will bring to the team: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years of business development, partner management, channel sales, or OEM relationship experience.
• Experience working with Cisco or other leading technology manufacturers.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, security, cloud, data center, collaboration and related technology solutions.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and partner profitability.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and CRM platforms.

Preferred 

• Experience within a value-added reseller (VAR), solution provider, or technology distribution environment.
• Existing relationships within Cisco channel or OEM ecosystem.
• Knowledge of partner programs, rebates, MDF, special pricing, and channel incentives.
• MBA or advanced business degree.

Qualified candidates can expect a salary range of $92,000 - $125,000 + bonus.

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Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package
While we’re committed to providing top-tier solutions, we’re just as committed to supporting our own team. Our team members enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, voluntary accident, hospitalization and critical illness insurance options, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, and many more. Generally, Zones currently offers paid time off and personal sick leave in compliance to individual state requirements. 

At Zones, work is more than a job – it is an exciting career on a global team that is client centric, has a passion for technology, embraces change and lifelong learning in a collaborative culture. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse. If you’re interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you! 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Zones participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a system that compares information from a team member’s Form I-9 to federal records to confirm their eligibility to work in the United States.