Associate Category Manager, Accessories/Collaboration & Service Agreements

As a rapidly growing global provider of IT solutions, we’ve expanded from Seattle to Sydney and beyond – with reach in over 80 countries around the world. Today’s top brands count on Zones and our world-class partners – Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Lenovo, and more – to transform their enterprises. To support this transformation, Zones offers products and services across four Solution Environments: Workplace Modernization, Network Optimization, Data Center Transformation, and Security Fortification.

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Position Overview

As the Associate Category Manager, you will help support the Category Manager in driving the success in a department that is a cornerstone for Zones’ success. You will assist the Category manager in setting the go-to-market strategy for the category, as well as other projects as they arise. Additionally, you will be responsible for your own projects, which include achieving category-specific revenue growth and profitability objectives & category Partner Contribution (PC) goals, and managing marketing Programs for Smaller and Emerging Partners.

You will also help support your peers and your department’s growth by providing enablement efforts through training, marketing, and events, as well as effectively managing category assets and key financial metrics. We expect you to continue to learn throughout your tenure here, and to become an expert in your category.

Key Responsibilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Associate Category Manager is primarily responsible for: 

• Assist Category Manager in setting the go-to-market strategy for the category
  • Review new & emerging partners for potential inclusion as Managed Partners
  • Learn the Zones PPM methodology for Partner Management and Product Marketing
• Achieve category-specific revenue and profitability growth objectives with smaller and emerging partners
  • Utilize Zones Marketing vehicles to create a broad awareness campaign to drive customer acquisition and development
  • Drive margin enhancing programs within the Sales organization (Deal Registration, Promotional offers/discounts, and Bid Pricing programs)
  • Enable Sales through education and driving demand
• Achieve category Partner Contribution (PC) goals with smaller and emerging partners
  • Create Partner Marketing Plans that support category growth strategies (by sales segment / vertical market)
  • Present marketing plans to partners and secure investments that will enable Sales through Zones demand gen, training, customer events, and incentives
• Effectively manage category assets and key financial metrics
  • Inventory Management
  • Management of MDF Claims, and Aged Partner Contribution Receivables
• Become the category expert
  • Become an avid reader of applicable trade publications, attend appropriate trade shows and industry events, and research applicable internet sites with the intent to become an expert in the category
  • Analyze and understand industry trends, and articulate opportunities and threats

We are seeking candidates with the following experience and skills:

Education/Certification  

• BA/BS degree or 4+ years of relevant experience

Required Experience

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong Win/Win Negotiating skills
• Proficient in Computer Terminology and Technologies
• Knowledge about the IT reseller environment and familiarity with mechanics of partner marketing programs:
  • Market Development Funds (MDF)
  • Rebates
  • Special pricing
  • Deal registration
• A solid understanding of IT solutions and a history of creating highly successful product marketing programs and business plans
• A working knowledge of sales processes and selling techniques for the SMB, mid-market, Enterprise, and public-sector segments
• Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships across all levels of an organization
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to address large and diverse audiences
• Solid understanding of key financial metrics and category asset management

Preferred Requirements

• BA/BS in Business, Marketing, IT, or a relevant field
• 2+ years of strategic account management
• 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• 2+ years of Zones experience

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Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package

While we’re committed to providing top-tier solutions, we’re just as committed to supporting our own team. Our employees enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, paid time off, and much more. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse.

At Zones, work is more than a job – it's an exciting career immersed in an inventive, collaborative culture. If you’re interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you!