Cisco

Director, Product Management (AI Defense)

Cisco$230K — $325K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of industry experience in AI product management.
  • Experience managing senior product managers or technical leaders.
  • Proven track record of delivering enterprise software or cloud platform products from concept to launch.
  • Background in AI, cybersecurity, cloud, identity, networking, or observability products.
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams, particularly in Engineering, UX, Marketing, and Sales.
  • Strong communication skills to influence senior leadership and drive alignment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategy and execution for an AI Security product area from inception to market.
  • Establish a long-term product vision and strategy aligned with customer needs.
  • Drive product investments across various AI security domains such as application security and governance.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Design, and GTM teams to deliver competitive products.
  • Translate market intelligence and customer needs into product direction.
  • Foster strategic partnerships across AI ecosystems and enterprise software domains.
  • Mentor senior product managers and enhance product management practices.

Benefits

  • Access to cutting-edge AI technologies and platforms.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Ability to influence product direction at a significant company.
  • Work at the forefront of enterprise AI security innovations.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/31/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Cisco's AI Software & Platform Group builds enterprise AI platforms and developer tooling, integrating our networking, security, and observability portfolio with modern AI to power autonomous systems. We improve reinforcement learning, simulation, and predictive analytics to make enterprise AI accurate, grounded, and trustworthy.

Cisco is seeking a strategic product leader to define and implement the next generation of AI Security capabilities. This leader will own a core area of the AI Defense portfolio, driving product strategy, customer adoption, and cross-functional execution across engineering, design, go-to-market (GTM), and research teams. The role focuses on building enterprise AI security capabilities spanning AI application security, agentic AI, runtime protection, AI governance, AI supply chain security, and AI validation. This individual will help shape Cisco's long-term vision for securing enterprise AI while translating market opportunities into differentiated products that scale globally.

Your Impact

  • Lead the strategy, roadmap, and execution for a major AI Security product area from concept through production, adoption, and lifecycle management.
  • Define and establish a long-term, multi-year product vision and strategy aligned with Cisco's AI Security vision and evolving enterprise customer needs.
  • Drive product investments across AI governance, AI application security, runtime protection, AI supply chain security, agent security, and AI validation.
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Design, Threat Research, GTM, Customer Experience, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development to deliver market-leading products.
  • Translate customer requirements, competitive intelligence, and emerging AI threats into clear product direction and execution priorities.
  • Drive strategic partnerships across the AI ecosystem, including hyperscalers, AI platforms, developer ecosystems, and enterprise software providers.
  • Lead cross-functional planning, investment tradeoffs, and roadmap prioritization across multiple releases.
  • Develop deep relationships with customers, design partners, analysts, and strategic partners to influence product direction.
  • Build compelling product narratives and represent Cisco at executive customer meetings, industry events, analyst briefings, and conferences.
  • Mentor and develop senior product managers while helping establish world-class product management practices across the organization.
  • Drive customer-centric innovation across the AI Security portfolio.
  • Influence cross-business unit strategy and build alignment across Cisco's Security, AI, Networking, and Observability organizations.
  • Develop durable competitive differentiation through platform thinking, ecosystem partnerships, and enterprise workflows.
  • Build high-performing teams that implement with urgency while maintaining exceptional product quality.
  • Play an instrumental role in establishing Cisco as the trusted security platform for enterprise AI.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of industry experience, strong product management background in the AI products space.
  • Demonstrable experience in people leadership experience managing senior product managers or technical product leaders.
  • Experience defining and delivering enterprise software or cloud platform products from strategy through general availability (GA).
  • Experience building AI, cybersecurity, cloud, identity, networking, observability, or similar enterprise platform products.
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional organizations across Engineering, UX, Marketing, Sales, Customer Success, and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational alignment.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD preferred.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise AI architectures, large language models (LLMs), AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), Model Context Protocol (MCP), AI governance, and runtime security.
  • Experience developing platform strategies spanning APIs, SDKs, marketplaces, and ecosystem integrations.
  • Track record of translating emerging technology trends into commercially successful product strategies.
  • Experience working directly with Fortune 500 customers, strategic design partners, and industry analysts.
  • Ability to balance long-term platform strategy with near-term execution and customer delivery.
  • Passion for building products that simplify enterprise adoption of AI while delivering measurable business outcomes.

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

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