Category Specialist

Connection • Merrimack, NH

5d • $32 - $41

About The Position

The Category Specialist drives growth, profitability, and market leadership for the Cisco Security or Networking Architecture portfolio. The role requires category expertise, vendor and stakeholder management, and a focus on measurable business outcomes. Compensation is directly influenced by achievement of objectives covering category growth, vendor contribution, Cisco Black Belt certifications, enterprise agreements, vendor floor day impact, and Cisco Capital financing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in category management, procurement, or a related discipline within technology, security, or networking.
• Proven analytical, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree.
• Deep understanding of Cisco security or networking solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives and Cisco’s technology roadmap.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to inform product selection, pricing, and promotional activities.
• Build and manage supplier and internal stakeholder relationships to maximize value and performance.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to accelerate growth, including sales enablement, marketing campaigns, and solution development.
• Monitor and report on category performance and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Keep required Cisco certifications and specializations for the assigned architecture current, proactively managing renewals and compliance to support partner-program status and incentive eligibility.
• Own the strategic relationship with the Cisco Partner Account Specialist (PAM) for the assigned architecture, aligning on business planning, opportunity identification, and agreed growth initiatives to support eligibility and success in earning Cisco incentives, including MOU and Quick Bet incentives.
• Track and own metrics for maintaining and growing the Partner Value Index (PVI) for the assigned Cisco architecture under the 360 Partner Program, including foundational maturity, technical capabilities, performance, and engagement; ensure program requirements are met or exceeded.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, contracts, and industry standards.
• Achieve targeted year-over-year revenue and margin growth for the assigned category.
• Grow Cisco category vendor contribution, measured by rebate dollars earned and MVF (Market Value Funding) secured, through planning, execution, and seller engagement for each Cisco vendor floor day.
• Increase the number of team members attaining Cisco Black Belt certifications within the category.
• Grow the number of new and renewed Cisco enterprise agreements within the category.
• Increase seller participation, customer follow-up, and new Cisco-related sales opportunities resulting from Cisco vendor floor days.
• Expand the number of closed opportunities using Cisco Capital financing solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• 401k plans.
• Medical insurance.
• Free therapy visits, mental health coaching and tools, and meditation resources.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, Wellness Time Off, and Volunteer Time Off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level