Cisco

Director Strategic Alliances-Bay Area OR Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

Cisco$243K — $312K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree with 10+ years in business development, product management, or partner management within global cloud or networking.
  • Proven experience managing large-scale technology partnerships.
  • Deep technical understanding of cloud-native architectures (hybrid/multi-cloud, containerization, SaaS).
  • Expert-level communication and influence skills for stakeholder alignment and vision unification.
  • Strong knowledge of cloud industry dynamics and translating tech concepts into business strategy.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute a multi-year global alliance strategy for critical cloud partners.
  • Influence senior leaders across product, engineering, and sales teams to drive alignment on partnership objectives.
  • Manage high-stakes, cross-functional programs to ensure product integration and market success.
  • Serve as the main contact for executives at Cisco and partner companies, securing strategic commitments.
  • Provide insights to leadership on partner strategy, competitive trends, and technology developments.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model, allowing flexibility in San Jose/Bay Area or Seattle, WA.
  • Minimal travel expectations for enhanced work-life balance.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/10/2026
Location: San Jose/ Bay Area or Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

Travel: minimal travel to be expected

Meet the Team

The Strategic Alliances team is part of Cisco's Corporate Strategy organization, and defines the company's global strategy for our most critical partnerships.

You will operate as a key strategic bridge to our Alliance Partners, to understand their priorities and capabilities and align them with Cisco's alliance strategy.

You will work with teams across Cisco including product leaders, sales leaders, CTOs, systems architects and marketing professionals to ensure that our global go-to-market and technical integration efforts are synchronized to drive mutual growth.
Your Impact
  • Global Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the multi-year global alliance strategy for our most significant cloud partners. Serve as the primary architect for joint initiatives that span multiple geographies and business units.
  • Cross-Company Influence: Drive complex initiatives by influencing senior leaders across Cisco's product, engineering, and sales teams. You will be the catalyst for alignment, ensuring that internal stakeholders prioritize the partnership's objectives.
  • Complex Initiative Management: Incubate and manage high-stakes, cross-functional programs that require deep collaboration to ensure successful product integration and market adoption.
  • Executive Presence: Act as a primary point of contact for executives at both Cisco and our partner. Navigate the "coopetition" landscape to secure long-term commitments and strategic alignment.
  • Strategic Insight: Provide actionable intelligence to Cisco's leadership team regarding the partner's strategic direction, competitive positioning, and emerging technology trends, directly shaping Cisco's executive-level decision-making.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BA/BS degree with 10+ years of experience in business development, product management, or high-level partner management, specifically within the global cloud or networking ecosystem.
  • Proven track record of managing large-scale, complex technology partnerships with significant strategic impact.
  • Deep technical fluency in cloud-native architectures, including hybrid/multi-cloud, containerization, SaaS, and the security requirements of large-scale cloud environments.
  • Expert-level communication and influence skills, with a demonstrated ability to align diverse, global stakeholders and senior executives toward a unified vision without direct line authority.
  • Strong grasp of the strategic and competitive dynamics of the cloud industry, with the ability to translate technical concepts into high-level business strategy.
Preferred Qualifications
  • MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • Management Consulting
  • Extensive experience working with U.S.-headquartered hyperscale cloud providers.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate the organizational complexities of a large-scale multinational technology conglomerate.
  • Advanced proficiency in data-driven decision-making and the ability to articulate innovative thought leadership to both technical and business audiences.

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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