What are the responsibilities and job description for the National Account Manager position at Cogent Communications?
Company Description Cogent Communications is a global Internet Service Provider delivering high-quality Internet, Ethernet, Transport, and Colocation services to a diverse portfolio of Enterprise and NetCentric customers. The company supports more than 138,000 customer connections and operates a facilities-based, all-optical IP network. Cogent serves over 302 markets in 57 countries, offering extensive international reach and network reliability. Team members join a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment focused on innovation, performance, and customer service. Working at Cogent provides opportunities to engage with leading-edge network technologies and large, complex customer accounts.
Role Description The National Account Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in San Diego, CA, responsible for managing and growing strategic national accounts. The role includes developing and executing account plans, prospecting within assigned portfolios, and identifying new business opportunities across Cogent’s Internet, Ethernet, Transport, and Colocation services. This position involves conducting client meetings, presentations, and product demonstrations, as well as preparing proposals, quotes, and contracts. The National Account Manager will collaborate with sales engineering, operations, and customer support to ensure successful service delivery and a positive customer experience. Day-to-day activities also include maintaining an accurate sales pipeline, forecasting revenue, tracking market trends, and representing Cogent at industry events or customer forums.
Qualifications
Role Description The National Account Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in San Diego, CA, responsible for managing and growing strategic national accounts. The role includes developing and executing account plans, prospecting within assigned portfolios, and identifying new business opportunities across Cogent’s Internet, Ethernet, Transport, and Colocation services. This position involves conducting client meetings, presentations, and product demonstrations, as well as preparing proposals, quotes, and contracts. The National Account Manager will collaborate with sales engineering, operations, and customer support to ensure successful service delivery and a positive customer experience. Day-to-day activities also include maintaining an accurate sales pipeline, forecasting revenue, tracking market trends, and representing Cogent at industry events or customer forums.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in national or strategic account management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue targets.
- Strong skills in consultative selling, relationship building, and negotiation, with the ability to engage senior decision-makers and influencers.
- Familiarity with telecommunications or technology services (e.g., Internet, Ethernet, data transport, colocation) and the ability to explain technical concepts in business terms.
- Proficiency in pipeline management, CRM tools, and sales reporting to support accurate forecasting and account planning.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and proposal-writing skills, including comfort presenting to groups in person and virtually.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to handle multiple accounts, priorities, and deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and customer support.
- Willingness to travel as needed to visit clients, attend meetings, and participate in industry events.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience selling into enterprise or carrier/NetCentric segments is highly beneficial.