Responsibilities
We are seeking a Partner Director, Palo Alto Networks to own and scale one of NWN's high-growth technology partnerships. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for the Palo Alto Networks alliance, building joint go-to-market initiatives, managing partner programs, and spearheading new growth opportunities.
- Serve as the central relationship manager for Palo Alto Networks' field, channel, and regional organizations.
- Build and execute joint go-to-market strategies with Palo Alto Networks, ensuring alignment with NWN's overall business objectives.
- Manage Palo Alto Networks' partner programs, NextWave tier requirements, and funding opportunities (e.g., MDF) to maximize partnership value.
- Track and report on partnership performance metrics including partner-sourced pipeline, revenue, EMP attach rate, and specialization status.
- Collaborate with NWN's cybersecurity practice, sales, marketing, and technical teams to enable and execute joint initiatives.
- Act as an advocate for NWN within Palo Alto Networks, and for Palo Alto Networks within NWN.
- Own the annual partner business plan and executive QBR cadence, driving cross-functional accountability against Palo Alto Networks commitments.
- Manage NextWave partner-tier progression and specialization roadmap (e.g., platform, SASE, security-operations) to unlock deal registration incentives and MDF.
- Stay current on Palo Alto Networks' partner program requirements, market trends, and the competitive landscape
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Marketing, or related field preferred
- MBA degree preferred but not required
- 10+ years of experience managing strategic technology partnerships
- MSP, SI, or Cisco partner ecosystem experience preferred
- Direct experience working with Palo Alto Networks' partner ecosystem (e.g., NextWave) strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of networking, security, and collaboration technology, partner programs, and go-to-market motions.
- Excellent communication, relationship management, and negotiation skills
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and technical teams
- Results-oriented, with a track record of driving measurable business outcomes through partnerships
Remote: Job duties are performed from the employee’s home home or another approved remote location. Remote employees are expected to maintain productivity, communication, and availability during agreed-upon working hours, in alignment with company policies.
Requires Travel - Yes
At NWN, we provide a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being in and out of work. This includes medical, dental, and vision plans, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), income protection through disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Enjoy unlimited PTO, paid company holidays, hybrid/remote work, paid bonding leave for eligible employees, employee discounts, and access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additional offerings include accident, critical illness, long-term care, and hospital indemnity coverages, legal and identity theft protection, pet insurance, supplemental life insurances, referral bonuses, charitable donation matching, and allowances for eligible roles. Join a team that values the health and wellbeing of all our employees!