Channel Business Manager

Our MissionAt Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.Who We AreIn order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!This role is remote, but distance is no barrier to impact. Our hybrid teams collaborate across geographies to solve big problems, stay close to our customers, and grow together. You will be part of a culture that values trust, accountability, and shared success where your work truly matters.Job SummaryA Distribution Business Manager (DBM) drives our entire Sales & Channel engagement with distributors across Palo Alto Networks’s NextWave partner ecosystem. As a DBM for Public Sector, you are responsible for owning the overall GTM relationship with 1 or 2 large Public Sector distributors. Specifically defining the evolution of distributors’ businesses, headcount, investments, and go-to-market strategies each year based on Palo Alto Networks' theater, regional priorities, and strategies. You are also responsible for the overall business execution and performance management with the distributor.Your ImpactProvide necessary data and reports to distributors to set plan targets and KPIsResponsible for scheduling, preparing, and leading recurring Business Review meetings (QBRs) at least three times per year with cross-functional audience Sales Management, Marketing, Services, Channel SE team, and optional attendees from Regional, Theatre, and WW management including executive QBRsMeet with Distributors to update the annual business plan with the previous quarter’s results and set targets, objectives, and activities for a new quarter and frequently convene to assess ongoing trajectory of the business and adjust activities as needed to drive better resultsResponsible for establishing senior executive relationships and leveraging your rapport with distributors’ executives to influence investments in and positive outcomes for Palo Alto Networks. Lead monthly updates with the distributor(s) to cover relevant new company information or content provided in the previous month. Ensure company content, programs, and update proper “land” within the distributor and share calls-to-action for distributors with said updatesIncrease the distributor’s quoting utilization. Provide adequate training. Monitor and share quoting utilization statistics with distributors monthly. Responsible for semi-annual NextWave Program Compliance efforts for Distribution Managed Partners, including working with the distributor(s) on plans to address gaps in Partner requirements and to make the decision on up-leveling, downgrading, or off-boarding these PartnersWork closely with the Renewals team and distributors to improve renewals process efficiency and to improve key Renewal business KPIsBuilding and monitoring plans with distributors to drive attendance to important Palo Alto Networks global, regional, and local eventsGive face-to-face presentations to distributors at the start of each quarter for product updates, business opportunities, best practices from other distributors in other regionsFacilitating cadence of “Peering” between local management teamsFacilitating local Sales team engagement with DistributionEach distributor is invited to make a presentation to PANW Sales organization during a weekly Sales meeting at least 1 time per quarterHandle (solve or escalate) all escalations related to day-to-day order processing and Distributor Credit situationsBe onsite (when able) at a local distributor at each end of month / EOQ and participate actively in the “War Room” virtual environment at EOM/EOQ to ensure flawless execution of all Commit ordersEnsure distributors are proactively reviewing their pipeline to ready their systems and account for processing orders with available credit and no minor mistakesManage the Distribution Rebates by setting targets and defining MBOs; provide regular Rebate updates – this should include QTD against target funnel and in Quarter pipeline reportManage all processes and documentation related to Distribution Development Funds (DDF)Manage all processes and documentation related to Distribution Co-Funded Heads Manage open Pipeline weekly. Use Clari to understand which deals are coming in each week/month/quarter and work proactively with distributors to ensure all orders are closed and processed by their committed Close DateLead weekly forecast call with each local distributor to review weekly/monthly/quarterlyWork with distributors and Marketing Manager to have all Marketing plans and Distribution Development Plans (DDF) submitted as per the timeline and processWork with Distributors on marketing plans that drive net-new account acquisition and install base expansionAttend local sales and marketing events hosted by Distributors and Distribution Managed PartnersWork with Distributors and Channel/Product Market to develop, land, and monitor Channel Sales incentives and promotions for Distributors and Distribution Managed PartnersCoordinate efforts and drive alignment between Distributors and PANW Inside Sales Team; proactively schedule sales activities onsite between Inside Sales and DistributorsRegularly share important SFDC reports with DistributorsQualifications5 – 7 years of distribution or channel management experience in Public Sector2 – 3 years of channel sales management experience in vendor environments,2 – 3 years of Program Management or BU Management or close work in channel programsWorking knowledge and experience selling technology solutions Proven experience influencing senior-level partner executives Ability to develop complex partner and territory plans and strategies Skilled in developing business plans, contributing to strategic plans, and devising reporting to track business Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and return on investments (ROI)Strong presentation skills and the ability to describe market transitionsProven ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written) with customers and interface with a variety of organizations. - Clear and conciseStrong leadership skills with the ability to develop and manage virtual sales teams Strong time management, organizational, and negotiation skills Professional IT Sales and business development experienceStrong public speaking skillsCompensation DisclosureThe compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.$225,000.00 - $309,000.00/yrOur Commitment We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.Motor-Vehicle Requirement: This role may require travel to and from Palo Alto Networks, Inc. business meetings and events and requires reliable transportation to do so. If a hire chooses to drive in connection with company business, the hire for this role must maintain a valid driver’s license.