About the job

GDT employs the most talented, tenured and certified professionals in the industry. We have always maintained a customer- first business model, which has helped transform our organization into one of the industry’s innovator, solution providers, and shared service experts. Be the solution. Keep clients happy. Provide intellectual value. Consistency. Be sticky. Help your fellow GDT-ers. Teach. Mentor. Lend a hand. Grow. Be professional, be engaged. ALWAYS.

GDT is a 25+ year, award-winning, multi-vendor, IT Solutions Provider. We are the sixth largest Cisco Partner in North America and an HPE Platinum Reseller. We partner with over 200 vendors to provide our clients with best-of-breed solutions.

Headquartered in Dallas, TX at the modern and eco-friendly GDT Innovation Campus with over 700 employees, GDT manages from its state-of-the-art Network and Security Operations Centers the networks and Security solutions for many of the world’s largest enterprises, service providers and government agencies.

Job Summary and Purpose: The Manager of Strategic Partnerships - Security is responsible for leading key top-tier partnerships at GDT. This includes managing existing engagements to increase business value as well as seeking new opportunities to expand these partnerships. These relationships are key to GDT’s business growth and have significant visibility with the executive management teams of both companies. This person will manage selected strategic partnerships in alignment with the strategic priorities and goals of the company. Success in this role will be measured by delivering on the agreed-upon goals and metrics of the partnership, driving both short-term and long-term objectives. You will be working closely with other internal stakeholders – including GDT sales, GTM leadership, corporate strategy, and marketing, as well as GDT senior management to ensure success of the partnership(s).

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing an alliance strategy: The Alliance Manager is responsible for developing a strategy for how the partnership(s) can benefit both companies. They need to have a deep understanding of the industry and the competitive landscape, and be able to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Building and maintaining relationships: The Alliance Manager needs to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in partner organizations. They must be able to communicate effectively and build trust, ensuring that the partnership remains strong and productive.
• Negotiating and closing deals: The Alliance Manager is responsible for negotiating and closing partnership agreements. They need to be skilled in negotiations, able to identify mutually beneficial terms, and ensure that the partnership benefits both parties.
• Managing the partnership: The Alliance Manager is responsible for managing the partnership once it is established. This includes monitoring performance, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that both parties are meeting their commitments.
• Identifying new opportunities: The Alliance Manager must be constantly looking for new opportunities for collaboration and partnership. This involves staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments and identifying potential partners who can bring new value to the company.
• Reporting and analysis: The Alliance Manager is responsible for providing regular reports on the performance of the partnership. They must be able to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights and recommendations to senior management.

Experience/Education

• 8+ years of successful B2B partnership experience, bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; Master's degree preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience working with one of more of GDT’s key Security partnerships – Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Zscaler, and Crowdstrike.
• Demonstrated ability to manage partner programs, and drive execution to deliver results
• Proven track record of successfully building relationships and negotiating with senior executives across organizations
• Ability to think creatively, work on complex problems and provide out-of-the-box solutions
• Use independent judgment to accomplish objectives.
• Work independently and regularly provide detailed status updates, raise and resolve issues with urgency
• Knowledge of alliances development, management principles, and processes
• Experience with successfully negotiating and restructuring complex agreements.
• Strong attention to detail, entrepreneurial, creative, open-minded, persistent, and collaborative
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Passionate about technology, partners, and the GDT business
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Working Conditions/Essential Functions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

GDT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, marital status, gender identity or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.

GDT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, marital status, gender identity or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.