Partner Development Specialist -Acer

Company Overview

Connection guides the connection between people and technology. We calm the confusion of IT by helping customers manage warehouse inventory, equip their workforce, or secure their data with the right combination of tech hardware, software, cloud solutions, and support services. We are the IT department’s IT department.

Under the direction of the Sr. Product Manager, the Partner Development Specialist (PDS) serves as the subject matter expert for Account Managers on pre‑sales questions related to the vendor portfolio and provides guidance on vendor pricing programs, cross‑sell opportunities, advanced services, and assessment opportunities. The PDS delivers training and battle cards to the sales force, facilitates program initiatives for the partner, and balances the needs of Connection and the partner while providing feedback to both the partner and Product Management group.

• Acts as the subject matter expert to Account Managers for pre‑sales questions relating to their assigned product(s).
  • Utilizes Partner tools and teaches Account Managers on how to use said tools.
  • Explains technical specifications in layman’s terms to internal and external customers.
  • Reviews quotes to identify potentially better options through assessment of other SKU availability.
  • Identifies upsell/cross‑sell opportunities when working with Account Managers’ customer quotes.
  • Assists in the development of sales tools to make it easier for sales to quote solutions to their customers.
  • Coordinates Partner resources for the AM both internally and externally.
  • Works with Purchasing group to continually improve the Sales process around speed to price.
  • Coaches Sales on how to apply for Partner pricing programs.
  • Identifies opportunities through open quotes/pipeline management that are eligible for Special Pricing.
  • Delivers both formal and informal trainings to Sales/TSG on Partner Solutions.
• Stays up to date on programs, technical knowledge, market trends and operational models.
  • Utilizes vendor tools/portals.
  • Takes training available through Partner portal.
  • Takes quarterly training and familiarizes oneself with terms and conditions of Partner Programs.
• Drives program initiatives for a particular Partner including campaigns, incentives, pricing programs, and sales enablement. Executes on strategy that is created by the Product Manager through communication to sales.
  • Develops and delivers trainings and row meetings for Account Managers.
  • Reports on and tracks incentives, pricing programs, etc.
  • Utilizes Workfront to create marketing materials including flyers and updates to company intranet.
  • Enters SPIFS.
  • Manages pricing programs working with the vendor to obtain information including vendor rebates and ensures program loaded into JDE and Callback.
  • Assists Product Manager with any program when aligning to revenue generating activity.
• Proactively engages with Partner field community and balances the needs of Connection and the Partner.
  • Knowledge of Partner contacts based on area of responsibility.
  • Assists and fosters relationships between sales and Partner.
  • Identifies gaps in Partner’s toolkit and works with Partner to create additional/improved resources.
  • Provides consistent feedback to vendor on programs.
• Interacts with the Account Manager and the external customer explaining in basic, non‑technical terms, the general overview of the solution that the Account Manager is presenting to the customer.
  • Utilizes knowledge of Partner solutions to answer basic questions for internal and external customers via phone or videoconferencing.
• Performs all other duties or special projects as assigned.

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills to create presentations, documents in Word with advanced formatting, and spreadsheets with pivot tables.
• Ability to learn and use Connection programs including JDE, Business Objects, Callback, etc.
• Aptitude for technology.
• Attention to detail in composing, keying, and proofing professional business materials.
• Negotiation skills with ability to secure best purchasing agreement for customers and company.
• Adept at proactively finding business opportunities within existing customer base.
• Understa…