Partner Account Executive

Cisco Systems, Inc; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc in Bengaluru is seeking a Partner Account Executive to lead executive engagement, drive sales development, and align go-to-market strategies with Global System Integrators. You will build comprehensive partnership plans that support partner growth through well-defined GTM strategies and collaborate with Cisco's Solution Architect teams.

The ideal candidate will understand as-a-service models and have experience positioning software and subscription-based offerings with

Qualifications

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in partner sales, business development and sales, and product management.
• Consistent track record of guiding virtual teams and delivering results
• Previous experience working with teams spread across multiple geographies and multiple business functions.
• Knowledge of cloud & infrastructure solutions, cybersecurity & risk services, full-stack observability and collaboration.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to improve collaboration across countries and effectively engage with global stakeholders.
• Good planning and analytical skills with a proven track record to apply these skills to complex situations with conflicting priorities
• Proven track record to partner with senior business leaders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that meet expectations
• Bachelor or Master's degree in Business Administration or Engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Global System Integrators (GSIs) partner strategy and business plan, encompassing sales initiatives, marketing programs, and comprehensive go-to-market strategies and offerings.
• Build and maintain executive relationships with leaders of key GSI partners; manage executive quarterly business reviews (QBRs), communication plans both with internal and external partners.
• Represent Cisco as an advocate of GSI partner business and subject matter expert and presenter at internal and external events
• Serve as a critical issue point to help resolve field conflicts using network of key contacts within both companies as well as knowledge of mutual businesses
• Take a lead in positioning Cisco value proposition, educating, and marketing across GSIs with both traditional solutions as well as new technologies such as AI/ Gen AI.
• Lead the development and communication of the partnership performance analysis (financial performance, key metrics, and related insight)
• Facilitate partner enablement on Cisco products and their use in joint solutions, drive proficiency through CoE and practice development
• Coordinate training and enablement plans for partner service delivery teams, ensure sufficient technical enablement to deliver Cisco solutions successfully
• Deliver on six key outcomes as a success metric: increased skills and scale of your partner, measurable incremental pipeline, advocacy and increased focus for your partners internally and externally, case studies and references, develop wins and repeatable solutions, and increased dedication and impact from partner

Skills

Partner sales

Business development

Sales leadership

Product management

Executive engagement

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration or Engineering

Job description

Meet the Team

Our Global System Integrators (GSIs) Partner Business team is seeking a Partner Account Executive to join us in Bengaluru. In this role, you will lead executive engagement, drive sales development, and ensure strong go-to-market alignment with Cisco partners. You will be responsible for developing comprehensive partnership plans that support partner growth through well-defined get-to-market and go-to-market strategies. This position requires close collaboration with the Solution Architect team to build sustainable partner solution offerings across multiple Cisco technology areas, including cloud and infrastructure services, cybersecurity and risk services, collaboration, and full-stack observability. You will play a key role in integrating Cisco technologies into partner service portfolios.

The ideal candidate will understand as-a-service business models and experience positioning the value of software and subscription-based offerings with key partners. The role also involves maintaining a regular cadence with regional partner organizations across Americas, EMEA, and APJ, while working closely with Cisco’s broader ecosystem of partners.

Your Impact

• Develop and execute the Global System Integrators (GSIs) partner strategy and business plan, encompassing sales initiatives, marketing programs, and comprehensive go-to-market strategies and offerings.
• Build and maintain executive relationships with leaders of key GSI partners; manage executive quarterly business reviews (QBRs), communication plans both with internal and external partners.
• Represent Cisco as an advocate of GSI partner business and subject matter expert and presenter at internal and external events
• Serve as a critical issue point to help resolve field conflicts using network of key contacts within both companies as well as knowledge of mutual businesses
• Take a lead in positioning Cisco value proposition, educating, and marketing across GSIs with both traditional solutions as well as new technologies such as AI/ Gen AI.
• Lead the development and communication of the partnership performance analysis (financial performance, key metrics, and related insight)
• Facilitate partner enablement on Cisco products and their use in joint solutions, drive proficiency through CoE and practice development
• Coordinate training and enablement plans for partner service delivery teams, ensure sufficient technical enablement to deliver Cisco solutions successfully
• Deliver on six key outcomes as a success metric: increased skills and scale of your partner, measurable incremental pipeline, advocacy and increased focus for your partners internally and externally, case studies and references, develop wins and repeatable solutions, and increased dedication and impact from partner

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in partner sales, business development and sales, and product management
• Consistent track record of guiding virtual teams and delivering results
• Previous experience working with teams spread across multiple geographies and multiple business functions.
• Knowledge of cloud & infrastructure solutions, cybersecurity & risk services, full-stack observability and collaboration.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to improve collaboration across countries and effectively engage with global stakeholders.
• Good planning and analytical skills with a proven track record to apply these skills to complex situations with conflicting priorities
• Proven track record to partner with senior business leaders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that meet expectations
• Bachelor or Master's degree in Business Administration or Engineering is preferred.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.