Job Overview
Location
San Francisco
Job Type
Full-time
Category
Sales
Date Posted
January 31, 2026
Full Job Description
đź“‹ Description
- • Are you a seasoned sales leader with a proven track record of success selling complex Cisco solutions, particularly within the State, Local, and Education (SLED) sector? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and possess a deep understanding of how technology can transform public sector organizations? Next Step Systems is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Regional Sales Director to spearhead the growth of a new, exciting business unit focused on delivering cutting-edge Cisco solutions to the SLED market. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise, build a division from the ground up, and make a significant impact on how public services are delivered.
- • As a Regional Sales Director, you will be instrumental in scaling out a new business unit within our rapidly expanding technology company. Your primary focus will be on developing and executing strategic sales plans to penetrate and grow our market share within the SLED vertical. This will involve identifying new business opportunities, cultivating strong relationships with key decision-makers in state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and other public sector entities, and understanding their unique challenges and technology needs.
- • A critical aspect of this role is your ability to collaborate effectively with various Cisco product teams. You will act as a bridge between our company and Cisco, ensuring that we are leveraging the full breadth of Cisco's innovative portfolio to meet the specific requirements of our SLED clients. This collaboration will involve staying abreast of Cisco's latest product releases, understanding their technical capabilities, and translating those capabilities into compelling value propositions for the public sector.
- • You will also work closely with our leadership team to build out best practices for this new division. This is a chance to shape the future of our SLED sales strategy, contributing your insights and experience to establish efficient processes, define sales methodologies, and foster a culture of excellence. We value your innovative thinking and encourage you to bring your ideas to the table, transforming them into actionable strategies that drive success.
- • The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the SLED procurement cycles, funding mechanisms, and regulatory landscapes. You will need to navigate complex sales processes, develop compelling proposals, and effectively articulate the return on investment (ROI) and strategic advantages of implementing Cisco solutions.
- • Your responsibilities will extend to managing and mentoring a sales team as the division grows, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring that sales targets are consistently met or exceeded. You will be responsible for forecasting, pipeline management, and reporting on sales activities and results.
- • This role demands a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit. You should be comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of your territory, and driving initiatives that align with the company's overall growth objectives. The ability to put your ideas into reality while growing with extremely high-performing colleagues is a key element of this position.
- • We are looking for individuals who are not only technically proficient in Cisco solutions but also possess exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. You must be adept at building rapport, influencing stakeholders at all levels, and closing complex deals.
- • This is a 100% remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals who are passionate about technology and its potential to serve the public good.
- • If you are a strategic thinker, a natural leader, and a proven sales professional with a deep understanding of the SLED market and Cisco solutions, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of public sector technology solutions at Next Step Systems.
🎯 Requirements
- • Proven experience selling Cisco solutions, with a strong emphasis on the State, Local, and Education (SLED) market.
- • Current or previous employment experience at Cisco Systems is a mandatory requirement.
- • Demonstrated success in building and managing sales pipelines, forecasting, and closing complex deals within the public sector.
- • Excellent understanding of SLED procurement processes, funding, and regulatory environments.
🏖️ Benefits
- • Competitive salary and uncapped commission structure.
- • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- • Generous paid time off and holidays.
- • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
Skills & Technologies
Design
Remote
About Next Step Systems
Next Step Systems is a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in technology, cybersecurity, engineering, and finance talent. Founded in 1995, the company delivers contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire solutions to Fortune 1000 clients and high-growth organizations nationwide. Its recruiters combine deep vertical expertise with proprietary sourcing tools to place professionals ranging from help-desk analysts to C-suite executives. The firm also offers project consulting and managed services, supporting digital transformation initiatives, compliance mandates, and business expansion. Next Step Systems maintains offices in Illinois and Texas and is a certified minority-owned business.
