Cisco

Account Executive - Architecture: Data Center Infrastructure (GES)

Cisco$292K — $384K *
Reno, NV 89502In-Person
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in direct, quota-carrying tech sales (hardware, software, SaaS)
  • 5+ years managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
  • Proven ability to develop business cases and executive proposals
  • Experience with competitive displacement strategies
  • Collaboration with technical pre-sales and account teams

Responsibilities

  • Own and achieve sales quotas for specialized Cisco architectures
  • Cultivate relationships with CXOs and IT decision-makers
  • Qualify pipeline opportunities using structured sales methodologies
  • Collaborate with Solutions Engineers on demonstration strategies
  • Channel customer feedback to influence product and market strategies

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with Cisco matching contribution
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible vacation and paid time off policies
  • Opportunity to earn grants of Cisco restricted stock units
  • Paid volunteer days and sick time off
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 10/08/2026
Candidate must relocate or live in the listed Territory

Position will cover the Westcoast

Americas GTM Sales | Global Enterprise Segment (GES) - Data Center & AI Infrastructure Specialist

YOUR IMPACT

As an Account Executive on the Architecture Team, you will own commercial relationships and drive strategic purchasing decisions within customer buying centers across enterprise and commercial accounts. You will partner with core account managers and technical solutions engineers to qualify pipeline, structure comprehensive business cases, lead competitive displacements, and guide multi-stakeholder deal cycles from qualification through execution.
  • Drive Architectural Revenue & Quota Attainment: Own and achieve sales quota targets for specialized Cisco architectures, managing deal cycles ranging from $50K to over $1M across mid-market, commercial, and enterprise accounts.
  • Navigate Buying Centers & Executive Alignment: Cultivate trusted advisor relationships with CXOs, Line-of-Business leaders, and IT decision-makers, aligning long-term architectural strategies with strategic customer business objectives.
  • Orchestrate Opportunity Qualification & Commercial Strategy: Apply structured sales methodologies (e.g., MEDDPICC) to qualify pipeline opportunities, construct ROI/TCO financial justifications, and deliver accurate architectural revenue forecasting.
  • Partner with Solutions Engineers & Core Sales Teams: Collaborate with Solutions Engineers (SEs) on customer proof of concept (PoC) and proof of value (PoV) demonstration strategies, while partnering with Core Account Teams to expand wallet share and displace competitors.
  • Interlock with Business Units & Product Management: Channel field intelligence, customer feedback, and competitive insights directly to Cisco Engineering Business Units to influence product roadmap enhancements, pricing models, and go-to-market strategies.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of direct, quota-carrying enterprise or commercial technology sales experience selling hardware, software, SaaS, or complex specialized technology architectures.
  • 5+ years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder commercial deal cycles (3 to 18 months) with a documented track record of quota over-achievement.
  • Proven track record developing commercial business cases, executive proposals, and ROI/TCO financial justifications.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience executing competitive displacement strategies and growing market share against industry competitors.
  • Proven experience collaborating cross-functionally with technical pre-sales teams (Solutions Engineers), core account teams, and internal business units.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
  • Formal training and demonstrated proficiency in enterprise sales methodologies (e.g., MEDDPICC, Challenger Sales, Command of the Message).
  • Commercial familiarity and sales proficiency across Cisco architectural domains (Enterprise Networking, Cyber Security, Cloud/Data Center, or Collaboration).
  • Experience selling multi-year software subscriptions, Enterprise Agreements (EAs), and recurring revenue licensing models.
  • Established executive customer relationships and vertical domain sales experience (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, SLED, or Service Provider).


THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT APPLY FOR EMPLOYEES IN AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, FRANCE, GERMANY & NETHERLANDS

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $292,100.00 to $384,200.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position 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/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 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, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer


For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.


For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:
$292,100.00 - $441,900.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$263,900.00 - $409,200.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

About Cisco

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Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
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