Program Manager, Partner Enablement

Forward

15h•$135,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Forward Networks is seeking an experienced Program Manager, Partner Enablement to build an ecosystem of partners equipped to sell, deploy, and operate Forward to the same standard as its own teams. The role owns partner enablement strategy from onboarding through certification, designation, and recertification. In collaboration with Channel leadership, Sales Enablement, Technical Enablement, and Technical Services, the Program Manager will turn existing content and targeted new materials into practical learning paths that help partners generate pipeline, deliver services independently, and protect the customer experience. The role will own curricula across four tracks: Sales; Technical Pre-Sales for resale partners; Deployment and Implementation; and Operator and MSP. It will establish individual certifications for partner sellers and technical pre-sales professionals, company designations for implementation and MSP partners, and a higher readiness bar for “Powered by Forward” MSPs. The position will also manage learning content and delivery, certification tracking, measurement, and feedback. Within the first 12 months, the Program Manager is expected to launch all four tracks and support the first partners earning Deployment and Implementation and Operator and MSP designations.

Requirements

7–10 years of experience in Partner or Channel Enablement, Sales Enablement, or Revenue Enablement, including at least 3 years enabling channel partners, systems integrators, or MSPs.
Experience enabling complex, multi-stakeholder deals and building tiered partner certification programs with hands-on labs and graded assessments.
Working technical fluency in networking or security sufficient to scope labs and capstones with Technical Services and assess content quality; direct lab development is not required.
Strong facilitation and executive communication skills, including experience engaging partner executives.
Proficiency with Salesforce and LMS analytics.
Ability to take ownership, navigate ambiguity, and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
A focus on measurable partner selling and delivery outcomes, with the judgment to reuse existing content and prioritize new development where it adds value.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Absorb or a similar learning platform.
Familiarity with MSP and managed-services business models.

Responsibilities

Define and evolve the Partner Enablement Charter in alignment with Forward Partner Program goals and Channel leadership priorities.
Own partner onboarding and certification curricula across Sales, Technical Pre-Sales for resale partners, Deployment and Implementation, and Operator and MSP tracks.
Design individual certifications for partner sellers and technical pre-sales professionals, and company designations for Deployment and Implementation and Operator and MSP partners, including the higher readiness bar for “Powered by Forward” MSPs.
Align learning paths with partner levels, designation requirements, and program incentives in partnership with Channel leadership and Technical Services.
Build recertification and quarterly release refresh programs, and coordinate with LMS, CRM, and Partner Portal owners to accurately track certification status.
Adapt existing messaging, discovery guides, use-case plays, customer stories, and deal support assets for partner audiences in collaboration with Sales Enablement and Technical Enablement.
Coordinate partner technical learning covering NQE, the Forward API, integrations, quarterly Essential Updates release courses, customer engagement runbooks, QBRs, and escalation practices for MSP operators.
Identify content gaps and coordinate subject matter experts to develop hands-on labs, graded capstones, scoring rubrics, and consistent assessment standards.
Ensure certifications demonstrate practical skills through assessed work and clear readiness criteria.
Manage partner learning paths, content taxonomy, and governance in the LMS.
Deliver live and virtual boot camps, certification cohorts, launch webinars, and partner events; coordinate enablement readiness for launches and pilots.
Measure partner time to certification, designation, and revenue, and track certified seller and engineer coverage across the partner community.
Track enablement’s contribution to partner-sourced and partner-influenced pipeline, deal registration, win rates, and services attach.
Partner with Technical Services to monitor designated partners’ delivery quality through L3 escalation rates, SLA attainment, and end-customer health.
Use partner satisfaction survey results and structured feedback from partners and Channel Account Managers to improve programs quarterly.
Within the first 12 months, launch all four tracks and support the first partners earning Deployment and Implementation and Operator and MSP designations.