Job SummaryThe Strategist role is responsible for helping to understand customer business challenges and objectives that can benefit from technology and drive solutions within CDW segments by partnering with key internal and external stakeholders, and technology partners to understand current and emerging technology initiatives, ultimately accelerating growth within the segment and positioning CDW as a preferred partner within the market. This role is primarily responsible for advising CDW on new offerings to address industry challenges and opportunities.
What you will do- Be part of the overall strategist organization to be thought leaders in leveraging technology to positively impact the segment
- Interact with customer leadership to help shape future thinking
- Achieve goals, and improve their organizations' posture
- Present and demonstrate strategy and solutions and specific partner technologies to customers and CDW
- Stay current on trends and technology developments
- Participate in the development of CDW's solution sets to solve customer problems within the industry
- Coordinate partner participation in specific solutions addressing real needs outside of traditional technology infrastructure
- Understand and evaluate new technology approaches and solutions to understand the value, problem addressed, market potential, and fit into the CDW strategic solutions
- Work with other areas within CDW to develop the solution package to include services, logistics and other capabilities, as appropriate, for solutions selected as CDW offerings
- Determine the accounts within target markets
- Qualify and scope solutions opportunities within accounts
- Determine the market (s) to address
- Develop relationships with executives at organizations and partners to further align CDW to the evolving needs of our customers
- Work closely with multiple stakeholders at the customer to influence the final requirements of the target opportunity, including executives, program leads, project leads, and technical experts
- Collaborate with sales team to act as subject matter expert for customer visits and presentations, customer conference calls and webinars, as well as participate in all aspects of large solutions
- Articulates value proposition to sellers, partners and customers.
- Attends customer onsite meetings, business reviews, and industry days, as needed.
- Represents company at external business networking opportunities, conferences, and events.
- Training CDW sellers and sales teams on trends and solutions and mentor CDW sellers on messaging to their customers.
What we expect of youMinimum basic requirements
- Strong customer facing skills with a history of building solid relationships with leaders.
- Deep understanding of the customer's business with credibility as a strong career leader in the market
- Experience in a role requiring proven leadership, facilitation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as a strong customer service.
- Strong understanding of the market.
- 10 years prior experience working within the specific industry.
- Proven track record of success in navigating procurement departments for additional opportunities.
- Demonstrated understanding of technology trends, technology architecture and roadmaps.
- Experience in a leadership role in the implementation of technology solutions involving integrations, configuration, troubleshooting, training, adoption and support.
- Proven ability to influence across all functions of an organization.
- Strong strategic planning ability.
- Effective communication skills both oral and written using a variety of styles and techniques appropriate to the audience
- Excellent presentation skills
- Demonstrated collaboration behavior with excellent facilitation and negotiation skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to find solutions while working independently.
- Must be able to communicate effectively and in a constructive manner with management, peers, and coworkers.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities/projects, meet deadlines, facilitate change, and delegate responsibility.
- Travel required as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience as a CIO, CTO, IT Vice President or IT Senior Leader
- Experience leading IT strategy and operations within the specific industry
- 10 or more years' experience in assessing business drivers and translating them into qualifiable, quantifiable and tactical solutions
- Understanding technologies and the challenges of implementing new technologies into a highly regulated and complex technology ecosystem.
- Industry related certifications ie. CISSP, CSSP, CISM, CRISC, GCIH
- Working knowledge and understanding of standard industry regulations i.e. FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, CPRA
Pay range: $ 157,500 - $213,500 depending on experience and skill set
Annual bonus target of 43% subject to terms and conditions of plan
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organizationWe're looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner's mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances-not replaces-human creativity and decision-making. You don't need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.
Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that's curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what's possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.
