Product Manager, Cisco Networking

CDW•Chicago, IL

2d•$90,000 - $158,800

About The Position

The Product Manager, Cisco Solutions, drives revenue and growth through strategic management of Cisco's technology portfolio within CDW. This role serves as the subject matter expert for one or more Cisco solutions across Networking, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and Emerging Technologies (Splunk, etc.), working in close partnership with the Manager, Cisco Solutions, to execute CDW's Cisco business strategy. This individual keeps current with Cisco's cross-architecture platform evolution, creates opportunities around core Cisco products and solutions, and collaborates with Sales, Marketing, Architecture, Customer Success, and Operations teams to drive customer outcomes. The Product Manager works with Cisco partner development management to secure COOP and MDF funding, maintains part numbers within the Cisco portfolio, develops customer segment focus strategies, and oversees products, processes, projects, and campaigns that advance CDW's position as a leading Cisco partner.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 5 years' experience in merchandising, product management, category management, or marketing with technology focus OR 9 years' experience in merchandising, product management, category management, or marketing with technology focus

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of Cisco's product portfolio including Networking, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, and emerging technologies
Knowledge of Cisco partner programs, certifications, and specializations
Proven track record in marketing technology product lines with the ability to manage products through their lifecycle, customer engagement scenarios, and product positioning challenges
Experience working within a cross-architecture platform approach and understanding of solution-based selling
Strong understanding of the dynamics of cross-functional teams with the ability to creatively problem solve and drive collaboration
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction while contributing to team objectives
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact and present to all stakeholders, including senior leadership
Demonstrated financial and analytical skills with experience in forecasting, business planning, and performance tracking
Successful history of building and maintaining internal and external partner relationships at all levels
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and business intelligence tools
Understanding of infrastructure, edge computing, security, and software transformation trends
Familiarity with Cisco partner investment programs, including COOP, MDF, and VIP/VIR programs

Responsibilities

Drive revenue growth and profitability across assigned Cisco solution areas
Manage product positioning, pricing strategy, competitive intelligence, and sales enablement for Cisco solutions
Maintain expert-level knowledge of Cisco's technology portfolio and cross-architecture platform strategy as the designated subject matter expert
Develop and execute marketing plans aligned with Cisco’s priorities and CDW's strategic objectives
Maximize sales revenue, profit, and vendor co-op for Cisco product categories through strategic planning and targeted marketing initiatives
Partner with Cisco to secure and optimize COOP, MDF, and other partner investment programs
Manage SKU portfolio and part numbers for Cisco products within CDW systems
Identify and evaluate emerging Cisco technologies, including AI and automation capabilities, and develop go-to-market strategies
Forecast sales volumes, track product performance, and proactively manage measurable category goals
Analyze market intelligence and competitive activity to identify opportunities for increasing Cisco sales within CDW
Build and maintain successful relationships with Cisco partner teams and serve as a key liaison for product-specific initiatives
Create annual business plans for assigned Cisco product categories in alignment with the overall Cisco Solutions strategy
Collaborate with Segment Marketing teams to develop customer-focused campaigns and solution offerings
Support cross-functional initiatives with Sales, ITS, Architecture, Customer Success, Renewals, and Operations to deliver integrated Cisco solutions