Business Development Manager — Data Center & Enterprise Networking (OEM/Partner Enablement)

Company: Sunset Learning Institute (SLI)

Location: [Remote – US]

Department: Data Center & Enterprise Networking Practice

Reports to: VP of Sales

Travel: [~<10%]

About SLI

Sunset Learning Institute (SLI) is a top‑tier Cisco Learning Solutions Provider, focused exclusively on enablement solutions—training, content, and strategic resourcing that help partners and customers adopt technology faster and better.

Our offering includes Training Delivery & Programs, Custom Learning Solutions, and Strategic Resourcing—often combined in Partner Enablement engagements with Cisco and other OEMs.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a Business Development Manager (BDM) to expand SLI’s Partner Enablement footprint across Cisco’s Partner ecosystem and adjacent OEMs within Enterprise Networking and Data Center. You’ll own a territory/book focused on identifying, shaping, and closing enablement opportunities (sales, technical, post‑sales adoption) that SLI can deliver—working closely with Cisco Partner leaders, Channel Partners (AM/SE/FE), and SLI practice SMEs.

What You’ll Do

• Develop OEM & Partner pipelines: Build and manage an opportunity pipeline with Cisco Partner organizations and Channel Partners (VARs, MSPs, GSIs) for enablement solutions across Enterprise Networking & Data Center.
• Originate Partner Enablement engagements: Identify use cases (NPI launch, pre‑sales enablement, post‑sales adoption, specialization/certification readiness) and position SLI solutions (workshops, bootcamps, labs, content development, delivery programs).
• Own relationships & account strategy: Establish trusted relationships with Cisco Partner executives, practice leaders, and technical sales leadership; drive QBRs, joint planning, and program rollout.
• Solution shaping with SMEs: Collaborate with SLI technical leaders to tailor enablement scope (Design/Develop/Deliver), lab requirements, content pathways, and delivery plans aligned to partner goals.
• Forecast & close: Maintain accurate forecasts, progress opportunities from discovery through contracting, and meet quarterly/annual revenue and margin targets.
• Navigate the Cisco ecosystem: Map to Cisco BUs/Partner programs, connect with Partner Account Managers and enablement teams, and align with Cisco priorities (e.g., EN, DC, Security).
• Collaborate with SLI Partner Account Managers (PAM): Work with SLI PAMs to provide guidance and introduction to key partner account relationships critical to SLI and practice area success.

What You’ll Bring

• Background in Cisco’s Partner organization (sales, partner programs, enablement) or at a Cisco Channel Partner (sales/BD)—with demonstrable success building revenue via partner motions. (Required)
• Domain credibility in Enterprise Networking and Data Center (e.g., routing/switching, SD‑WAN, SDA/ACI, automation, virtualization, Intersight, VXLAN/EVPN, NDFC/ND/NDI)—enough to hold value‑based conversations and qualify technical enablement needs.
• Proven ability to originate and close programmatic services (enablement/workshops/training/content) with OEMs and partners.
• Strong relationship management with Partner AM/SE/FE communities; comfort driving multi‑party pursuits with OEM, partner, and SLI stakeholders.
• Operational discipline: pipeline hygiene, forecasting accuracy, and QBR cadence.
• Excellent communication—executive presence with the ability to simplify complex technical value propositions into business outcomes.

Success Measures (First 12 Months)

• Pipeline creation: Net‑new qualified opportunities across targeted Cisco Partner accounts and select OEMs.
• Revenue & margin attainment: Meet or exceed quarterly/annual bookings targets from Partner Enablement programs.
• Executive relationships: Established sponsor‑level ties within priority partners and alignment with Cisco ecosystem stakeholders.

Why SLI

• Work within a company uniquely focused on enablement-first outcomes, not competing with partner implementation services.
• Access to mature enablement programs, lab infrastructure, content development teams, and delivery resources to back your GTM.
• High‑impact role with visibility to executive leadership and OEM stakeholders.

Compensation, Benefits & Location

• Comp: Base salary sales incentive/commission (OTE) commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and company holidays.
• Location: SLI Office locations or Remote (US). Travel as needed for partner meetings, events, and program delivery support.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief note describing your experience with Cisco Partner organizations or Cisco Channel Partners—including examples of enablement programs you originated or scaled—to info@sunsetlearning.com.