Specialist - Partner Operations

Overview:

CPX is seeking a commercially astute and operationally driven Partner Operations Specialist to elevate the performance and strategic value of our cybersecurity and technology partner ecosystem. This role is pivotal in driving partner program compliance, unlocking incentive funding, optimizing commercial outcomes, and enabling cross-functional alignment across departments.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience managing vendor relationships and partner programs within leading cybersecurity ecosystems (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, Fortinet), and a strong understanding of channel operations, MDF, rebate structures, and tier governance.

Responsibilities:

Partner Funding & Incentive Management

• Proactively identify and secure Marketing Development Funds (MDF) and joint GTM investments from strategic partners.
• Maximize partner incentive programs and rebate programs linked to certifications, sales targets, and solution focus areas.
• Collaborate with Finance and Sales and Vendor Account Managers to ensure timely and accurate claims submission and audit readiness.

Partner Program Governance & Tier Optimization

• Support strategic partner onboarding and lifecycle management.
• Own the operational execution of partner program requirements to maintain or enhance elite-tier statuses (e.g., Cisco Gold, Microsoft Solutions Partner, Palo Alto Elite).
• Track and manage certification paths, enablement milestones, and renewal timelines.
• Ensure all vendor-required reporting, KPIs, quarterly business plans, and audit deliverables.

Commercial Enablement & Profitability

• Analyse partner pricing models, discount structures, and rebate mechanisms to improve deal margin and profitability.
• Support bid management and procurement teams with partner pricing intelligence and cost optimization strategies.
• Provide insights on leveraging partner incentives for strategic deal structuring.

Reporting & Performance Analytics

• Develop and maintain dashboards tracking partner-sourced and influenced pipeline.
• Prepare executive-level presentations for QBRs, vendor reviews, and internal performance updates.
• Ensure data integrity and alignment across CRM, finance systems, and vendor portals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the operational bridge between Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Vendor Managers and drive alignment on joint campaigns, pipeline acceleration initiatives, and partner enablement programs.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years in partner operations, channel management, or vendor program administration within cybersecurity or enterprise IT.
• Proven success managing partner programs from vendors
• Strong understanding of MDF, rebate structures, tier requirements, and channel sales processes.
• Financial acumen with ability to analyze pricing, margin, and incentive impact.
• Excellent stakeholder management and presentation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or Finance; certifications in vendor programs or ITIL preferred.