Account Executive – Networking Architecture

Cisco

. Own the strategic relationship within the customer’s buying center to influence architectural decisions and position Cisco as the preferred partner .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $263,900 - $359,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex sales cycles and leading technical proof of concept engagements, with a strong focus on Cisco networking architecture solutions. Capable of translating technical architectures into business outcomes while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive strategic recommendations and revenue growth.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technical Proof Of Concept (PoC) LeadershipNetworking KnowledgeSales Cycle ManagementBusiness Case DevelopmentStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Technical Proof Of Concept (PoC)Technical Proof Of Value (PoV)Networking ArchitectureBusiness Case AnalysisCost-Benefit AnalysisRisk AnalysisWhat-If AnalysisProduct Development InfluenceMarket Strategy DevelopmentCompetitive Landscape Analysis

Soft Skills

Strategic RecommendationsCollaborationInfluencing SkillsCommunication

Industry Keywords

Cisco ArchitectureC-Suite EngagementIT Decision-MakersLine Of Business (LOB)Market Share GrowthRevenue GrowthCustomer Buying CenterEast Coast Travel

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the strategic relationship within the customer’s buying center to influence architectural decisions and position Cisco as the preferred partner
Lead technical proof of concept and proof of value engagements
Implement scaled demonstration environments to showcase solution capabilities before customer commitment
Develop comprehensive proposals addressing unique solution gaps
Align technical projections with broader portfolio planning for long-term success
Drive revenue growth and market share by identifying competitive landscape shifts
Provide strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders
Provide feedback to Cisco development teams so product roadmaps reflect emerging customer demands and technological advancements
Collaborate across account teams, solution engineers, and internal business units
Position Cisco networking architecture solutions within strategic customer buying centers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of related experience, Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years of experience
Experience managing sales cycles for medium-to-high complexity deals ranging from $50K to over $1M
Proven experience leading technical proof of concept (PoC) and proof of value (PoV) engagements
Strong networking knowledge
Proficiency in building business cases, including analyzing cost, benefit, and risk drivers
Experience engaging directly with IT, Line of Business (LOB), and C-suite decision-makers
Preferred: Expert-level technical knowledge in a specific Cisco architecture or relevant industry vertical
Preferred: Experience collaborating with industry analysts to future-proof account and market strategies
Preferred: Ability to conduct “what-if” analysis to model future business outcomes based on market variables
Preferred: Experience working directly with product engineering teams to influence product development and functionality
Preferred: Ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear business outcomes for diverse stakeholders
Candidate must reside on the East Coast and be able to travel to the DC/MD/VA region

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Eligibility for Cisco restricted stock unit grants
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Performance-based incentive pay for employees on sales plans
No cap on incentive compensation once performance exceeds 100% attainment
Opportunities to grow and build at Cisco
Global collaboration and networking opportunities