[Hiring] Leader, Strategy & Planning @Cisco

Role Description

As a Strategy & Planning Leader in US Commercial (USC), you will serve as a core member of the Area Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in direct partnership with the Area Sales Vice President (AVP) and Systems Engineering Director (SED). In this role, you will operate as a strategic Chief of Staff, operational co-pilot, and transformation lead—driving go-to-market execution, revenue acceleration, and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the US Commercial Senior Director of Strategy & Planning, you will lead the strategic and operational rhythm for your Area. You will interact daily with field sales teams, systems engineering leaders, sales operations, finance partners, and executive stakeholders across Cisco Americas. You'll be part of a high-impact Strategy & Planning community dedicated to empowering our sellers and driving measurable business growth.

• Agility & Velocity: Thrive in a fast-and-furious sales environment—navigating evolving market dynamics, shifting deal priorities, and high-tempo quarterly cadences with exceptional adaptability and composure.
• Strategic Co-Pilot: Partner with the Area AVP and SLT to shape, execute, and govern annual strategic plans, revenue growth initiatives, and key go-to-market motions.
• Data-Driven Insights & Action: Synthesize complex pipeline, bookings, and market intelligence data into clear executive insights, establishing strategic roadmaps with measurable accountability.
• Resource & Investment Governance: Collaborate with Sales, Systems Engineering, and Sales Finance leadership to align headcount, budgets, and strategic investments with theater growth priorities.
• Operational Excellence & Automation: Continuously streamline sales processes, eliminate friction, and implement automation to drive field productivity and deal velocity.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Serve as the primary liaison between the Area SLT and extended stakeholders—including Americas Strategy & Planning, Finance, Global Marketing, CX, HR, and Partner organizations.

Qualifications

• Proven Sales & Operations Acumen: 8+ years of validated experience in sales operations, business strategy, program management, or field sales leadership.
• Strong understanding of commercial GTM motions, partner ecosystems, and value-based selling.
• Strong quantitative skills with a track record of translating messy operational challenges and large datasets into crisp, actionable business solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Requirements

• Energetic, outcome-oriented leader who excels in high-growth, fast-paced sales environments.
• Ability to pivot from high-level strategic planning to detailed operational execution without missing a beat.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a rapid, demanding sales environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to influence senior executives, drive consensus, and align cross-functional teams.
• Proactive self-starter with meticulous attention to detail, strong follow-through, and a passion for helping sales teams win.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Paid time away including 10 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, and additional personal wellness days.
• Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees.
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter.
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.
• Performance-based incentive pay for sales roles.