[Hiring] Strategy & Planning Manager @Cisco

Role Description

The Strategy & Planning Manager role is a key individual contributor position within the Business Development & Partnerships team, a strategic function in Cisco’s central Product organization. The team drives growth by developing and supporting technology partnerships that enhance Cisco’s product portfolio, including collaborations with leading companies in the AI space. We’re looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented strategic problem solver who excels at cross-functional collaboration, navigates ambiguity and complex operational processes, and proactively drives execution to support the team’s success.

Your Impact:

• Work closely with Business Development teams to design and own operational processes.
• Enhance cross-functional visibility and support the design and launch of strategic partnerships.
• Build and manage operational processes to track internal and external partnership-related workstreams.
• Deliver strategic insights to key stakeholders.
• Work with BD and cross-functional Cisco teams to design and implement a best-in-class experience for partners.
• Develop and manage cross-functional engagement processes to align Business Development with Cisco teams.
• Support BD leadership in defining partnership focus areas, setting business goals, and tracking key initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelors + 8 years of related experience, or Masters + 6 years of related experience, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Relevant experience includes business operations, business development, product management, internal strategy, and/or go-to-market strategy.
• Experience building and managing projects and workflows from ideation to delivery using tools such as Airtable, PowerPoint, and/or Salesforce.
• Experience designing and managing business processes and operating cadences.
• Experience preparing executive-facing written communications and presentation materials.

Requirements

• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Strategy, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience working in an internal strategy and/or operations role at a tech company or at a strategy firm.
• Understanding of GTM motions in SaaS software industry.
• Understanding of product development lifecycles.
• Experience working with AI technology, SaaS software, or hyperscalers.
• Ability to craft clear, compelling narratives in written, verbal, and visual formats.
• Skilled at driving processes and demonstrable progress in dynamic, fast-moving environments.
• Proactive self-starter who takes initiative and acts with urgency to drive outcomes.
• Capable of building scalable operational frameworks that enhance alignment and execution across teams.
• Adept at driving alignment, engagement, and collaboration across teams and leadership levels.
• Effective team player skilled at fostering strong partnerships across functions.

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 holidays and personal wellness days.
• Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees.
• Optional paid days for volunteering.
• Annual bonuses for non-sales roles.
• Performance-based incentive pay for sales roles.