Systems Sales Engineering Manager at Forward Networks

<p>Forward Networks is transforming how the world’s most complex networks are managed and secured. Founded in 2013 by four Stanford Ph.D.s, we built the industry’s first network digital twin — a mathematically precise model of the production network that gives IT teams unmatched visibility, verification, and agility across every major cloud and vendor environment.</p> <p>Our customers include global leaders such as Goldman Sachs, PayPal, S&amp;P Global, IBM, and Dell, as well as fast-growing enterprises and government agencies. According to IDC, Forward Networks customers realize an average of $14.2 million in annual benefits through improved efficiency and security.</p> <p>Backed by world-class investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, MSD Partners, and Threshold Ventures, Forward Networks offers a people-centric, innovative culture where brilliant minds are shaping the future of network reliability, security, and AI-ready operations.</p> <p><strong>Forward Networks is looking for a Systems Sales Engineer Manager</strong></p> <ul> <li>Do you want to create a category and help build a special company?</li> <li>Join a company that has been in market 7+ years and has some of the top Federal agencies and F500/Global 2000 already buying and referenceable.</li> <li>We are building a special team and hope you consider us if you want to have the experience of changing the networking world as we know it.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>We're seeking an experienced Systems Sales Engineering Manager who will lead a team of Systems Sales Engineers while also serving as a hands-on technical expert. This is a hybrid role requiring both strong leadership capabilities and the technical depth to actively engage with customers as a practitioner—qualifying opportunities, providing technical leadership on key deals, and executing POCs directly.</p> <h4><strong>What You'll Do</strong></h4> <p><strong>Management &amp; Team Leadership:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead and manage a high-performing team of Systems Sales Engineers to achieve revenue and new business growth targets</li> <li>Develop and execute team strategies to drive revenue growth, expand market share, and build strong customer relationships</li> <li>Recruit, train, and mentor Systems Sales Engineers, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and career development</li> <li>Manage team performance through data and analytics, setting clear goals and holding the team accountable to results</li> <li>Foster a collaborative environment where the team can thrive and continuously improve</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Technical Practitioner &amp; Sales Leadership:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Actively engage as a <strong>technical authority</strong> on regional opportunities</li> <li><strong>Qualify and scope opportunities</strong> directly alongside sales teams to assess fit and ensure technical feasibility</li> <li><strong>Lead and execute POCs (Proof of Concepts)</strong> for key prospects, demonstrating deep technical expertise</li> <li>Serve as the <strong>technical lead</strong> on major pursuits, providing hands-on guidance and execution</li> <li>Provide technical guidance to the sales team, ensuring they have the knowledge, frameworks, and tools to succeed</li> <li>Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations and product demonstrations to prospective clients</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cross-Functional Collaboration:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Partner with Product Management, Marketing, and Engineering to align sales strategies with company goals and product roadmap</li> <li>Gather customer insights from direct opportunity engagement to inform product decisions</li> <li>Stay current with industry trends, competitive landscapes, and technical best practices</li> <li>Provide recommendations for continuous improvement based on real-world customer interactions</li> </ul> <p><strong>Requirements:</strong></p> <ul> <li>7+ years of experience in software sales engineering, with a proven track record of success in driving revenue growth</li> <li>3+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing a team of sales professionals</li> <li>Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences</li> <li>Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making</li> <li>Experience working in a fast-paced, agile environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements</li> <li>Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve their goals</li> <li>Proven ability to develop and execute successful sales strategies, build strong customer relationships, and drive revenue growth<br><br></li> <li>Experience:<br>Excellent understanding of Networking, Cloud and/or Security fundamentals.<br>• Understanding of networking protocols, and other operational tools and<br>practices.<br>• Experience supporting multiple large enterprises, service providers or<br>Governmental agencies.<br>• Strong verbal and written communications skills<br>• Experience as a leader running sales engineering organization<br>• Experience using data and metrics to drive improvements.<br>• Experience owning program strategy and communicating results to senior<br>Leadership.<br><br></li> <li>Highly Desired:<br>Vendor certification (CCNP,CCIE,JNCIA,JNCIE,JNCIS,AWS CSA Associate etc.)</li> </ul> <p>The expected On-Target Cash Earnings for this role is between 275,000- 325,000 per year. Within this range, individual pay is determined by several factors including but not limited to, job-related skills, work experience, and relevant education/training</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>