Sr. Director - Partner Technical Management (SBG)
Application window closes on August 6, 2026, or earlier if the position is filled.
About the team
The Security Business Group (SBG) at Cisco focuses on helping organizations protect their users, infrastructure, and data in an increasingly complex digital landscape. SBG builds and delivers leading security platforms, collaborating with a global ecosystem of technology partners to create integrated solutions that address evolving customer needs. As Cisco shifts to a software and recurring revenue model, SBG leads this transformation, with over $2B in annual revenue and 40%+ year-over-year growth in software recurring revenue.
Within SBG, the Partner Technical Management team plays a critical role in enabling deep technical integrations and co-innovation with strategic partners. This team works closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to ensure partners can successfully build on and extend Cisco’s security platform while delivering joint value to customers.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive technical strategy for Cisco’s partner ecosystem, aligning with overall business objectives.
- Identify and prioritize key technical integration opportunities with strategic partners.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of Partner Technical Managers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Oversee the technical aspects of partner integrations, including API enablement, co-development initiatives, and joint solution architectures.
- Ensure successful technical onboarding, enablement, and ongoing support for partners.
- Drive co-innovation initiatives with partners to develop joint solutions that address market needs and create competitive differentiation.
- Develop and deliver technical enablement programs and resources for partners to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage Cisco’s platform.
- Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and other internal teams to align on partner technical strategies and roadmaps.
- Serve as a senior technical point of contact for strategic partners, building trust and fostering long-term relationships.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes to inform partner strategy and identify new opportunities.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Partner Technical Management function and track progress against goals.
- Report on the technical health and impact of the partner ecosystem.
- Manage the budget for the Partner Technical Management function effectively.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in the industry with a strong background in partner management, alliances, or a technical solutions leadership role.
- Proven track record of defining and executing technical strategies for partner ecosystems, with product leadership experience in security-centric product groups within large organizations (preferably hyperscalers).
- Deep understanding of cloud computing, APIs, SaaS, and modern integration technologies.
- Experience building and leading high-performing technical teams.
- Proven experience working with enterprise clients and understanding their technical requirements, supporting co-selling or co-development initiatives with partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or MBA and/or experience in cybersecurity, data analytics, or related technology domains.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, integration patterns, and architectural best practices.
- Familiarity with partner program models and partner go-to-market strategies.
- Strong project management skills and experience working with agile methodologies.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era and beyond. With 40 years of innovation, we create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital worlds. Our solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across their entire digital footprint. Fueled by our technology and global network, we collaborate with empathy to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
Pay
The starting salary range for this position is $239,200 to $302,600 for new hires in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and training.
Full salary ranges for specific locations:
- New York City Metro Area: $286,200 - $416,900
- Non-Metro New York State & Washington State: $253,000 - $386,900
For quota-based sales roles, the ranges include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution.
- Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
- Restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest over time with continued employment.
- Paid time off, including:
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
- 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday.
- Paid year-end holiday shutdown.
- 4 paid days off for personal wellness.
- Non-exempt employees: 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year, accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period.
- Exempt employees: Flexible vacation time off with no defined limit (subject to business needs).
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, with up to 80 hours carried forward annually.
- Additional paid time off for critical or emergency family issues.
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year for volunteering.
- Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies.
- For sales roles: Performance-based incentive pay split between quota and non-quota components, with no cap on incentive compensation for quota-based attainment above 100%.