Cisco Solutions Category Manager

Description

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

Job Summary

The Manager, Cisco Solutions, PPM, is responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing the Cisco technology stack within the CDW framework, ensuring full alignment with Cisco priorities. This role champions a cross-architecture platform approach and serves as a change leader, mobilizing cross-functional teams to evolve CDW's Cisco business model around infrastructure, software, emerging technologies, AI, and services-led transformation, driving business outcomes for both CDW and Cisco. The incumbent leads cross-functional collaboration across PPM, Sales, ITS, Marketing, Customer Success, Renewals, and Operations, ensuring seamless delivery and measurable impact. The leader is responsible for all Solution areas of Cisco management and investments, including COOP, VIR, and financial programs. This role aligns with partner marketing for the CDW and Cisco marketing plans, while also owning, managing, and developing all assigned key partner relationships. It works closely with segment and sales leaders to develop customer segment focus strategies.

What you'll do

• Provide visionary leadership and coaching to direct reports, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Architect and execute the Cisco solutions strategy, ensuring alignment with CDW and Cisco priorities.
• Own and maximize Partner Controllable Margin (PCM) for Cisco solutions, leveraging financial programs and partner investments.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies, monitor competitive activity, and identify customer needs across Cisco's portfolio.
• Create compelling customer offers and oversee the development of integrated marketing plans for Cisco solutions.
• Drive revenue, profit, and vendor co-op through strategic planning and marketing of Cisco's cross-architecture platform.
• Build and manage key Cisco relationships, acting as the primary liaison between Cisco and CDW.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with Sales, ITS, Marketing, Customer Success, Renewals, and Operations to deliver unified solutions.
• Assess emerging technologies and industry trends within Cisco's ecosystem, adapting strategies to maintain competitive advantage.
• Forecast sales, support promotional opportunities, and communicate market shifts to inform buying decisions.
• Create and maintain an annual business plan focused on Cisco solutions growth and innovation.
• Champion efforts to increase customer and account manager penetration for Cisco's solution stack.
• Up to 20% travel required.

What we expect of you

• Bachelor's degree in business, Information Technology, Marketing, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in product management, marketing, supply chain, sales, or finance, preferably with Cisco solutions
• Prior experience coaching or mentoring others

Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed

• Proven ability to build and execute comprehensive strategic plans for technology solution portfolios, including the development, launch, and ongoing optimization of cross-architecture platforms.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and strategic execution skills.
• Demonstrated financial and analytical acumen.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• History of building and maintaining strategic relationships, especially with Cisco and related partners.
• Strong conflict resolution and persuasive skills.
• Ability to multitask and drive projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant business applications.
• Demonstrated ability to master and grow a technology solutions portfolio.

Pay range: $111,000 - $154,200 depending on experience and skill set

Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan

Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/

Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

We make technology work so people can do great things.

CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.