Cisco

Operations Manager, Crisis Response - San Jose, CA

Cisco • $124K — $161K *
San Jose, CA 95123In-Person
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in Operations, Project, or Program Management roles
  • Proficient in MS Office 365, especially PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
  • Experience with Project Management software like Asana or Jira
  • Demonstrated use of generative AI tools to enhance productivity
  • Valid US driver's license and clean driving record
  • Ability to obtain a passport and visas for international travel

Responsibilities

  • Maintain readiness of CCR equipment through diligent checks and maintenance
  • Provide 24x7 on-call incident response coverage for global emergencies
  • Assess emergency communication needs and plan response activities
  • Lead deployment of temporary communication solutions in the field
  • Manage logistical tasks related to equipment and supply inventory
  • Plan high-impact events for internal and external audiences
  • Ensure DOT compliance for vehicle operations and keep accurate records

Benefits

  • Support for professional development and training
  • Opportunity to travel domestically and internationally for deployments
  • Engagement with a globally recognized tech organization
  • Participation in a meaningful mission focused on crisis response
  • Collaborative and diverse team environment
  • Health and wellness programs available for employees
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 07/17/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Role Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Cisco's Crisis Response (CCR) Team, a highly skilled and dedicated team that deploys equipment and personnel in the acute phase of a crisis in which normal communications infrastructure has been degraded or damaged. The Operations Manager is a highly motivated individual responsible for the preparation, planning, and execution of CCR's incident response engagements, planned events, and exercises. This role will report to CCR's Mission Readiness & Deployment Leader and will coordinate internal and external resources to drive the delivery of key services, ensuring that every project is executed with consistency, high quality, and timely impact. You will collaborate closely on a global team with Engineers, Operations Managers, and other strategic staff on a daily basis.

Responsibilities - Operations Manager will:

  • Mission Readiness: Maintain highest levels of operational readiness of CCR equipment (e.g. kits, loose gear, vehicles) by ensuring completion of required checks and preventive maintenance with high fidelity per documented processes and timelines. Collaborate with the team to track and address outstanding issues in a diligent and timely manner.


  • Incident Response: Provide coverage for 24 x 7 operations on-call duties on a rotational basis by maintaining situational awareness of global news and events. Field incoming inquiries from internal and external stakeholders and respond within established timeframes with high-quality, actionable information.


  • Execution & Coordination: Interface with the team, customers, CCR Community volunteers, and other organizations to assess emergency communications needs, plan and execute responses, while maintaining accountability of resources and personnel. Provide relevant, timely updates to leadership and stakeholders.


  • Field Deployment: Lead and participate in domestic and international incident responses in potentially austere environments to deploy equipment providing temporary communications capabilities. Document actions taken and equipment deployed. Assist other Cisco personnel with storytelling of our activities and impact. Capture lessons learned for process and solution improvement.


  • Asset Management and Logistics: Execute inventory acquisition, tracking, shipping, and physical logistics of vehicles, durable equipment, and consumable supplies. Manage sourcing, procurement, storage, and decommissioning of resources and related services per approved processes.


  • Event Planning: Identify opportunities, field inquiries, triage, budget, plan and execute high-impact virtual and in-person events supporting internal Cisco and external audiences. This may include customer demonstrations, capability briefings, volunteer training, external exercises, conferences/trade shows and others.


  • DOT Compliance: Administer the team's DOT compliance activities for vehicles and drivers in a non-CDL environment with strict adherence to federal and company requirements. Maintain accurate, audit-ready records at all times.


  • Volunteer & Training Support: Assist the CCR Community Manager with operational, administrative, and logistical support for the volunteer program. Assist with the development and delivery of training initiatives for internal audiences and strategic partners.


  • Relationship Management: Build relationships with Cisco account teams, business units, prospective volunteers, and external partners (public, private, and non-profit) of diverse backgrounds. These relationships support awareness of the team and our services, internally and externally.


  • Public Speaking: Represent the team to a wide variety of stakeholders, including customers, industry peers, national leaders, and senior engineers.


  • Project Leadership: Lead smaller projects to support internal and customer-facing initiatives, driving solid results and meaningful impact.


  • Travel: This job requires ability to travel on short notice, up to 25% of the year, split between planned events/training/trade shows and emergency deployments potentially living in austere environments for approximately 2-3 weeks. Previous relevant experience preferred.


  • Operations Documentation: Developing, documenting, and maintaining guidelines, processes, and policies for efficient and consistent team operations.


  • Conduct: Cisco employees are expected to strictly adhere to Code of Business Conduct, acting with integrity, respect, and professionalism toward all. As a highly visible and public-facing group, our team must exemplify these values at all times.


Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years in Operations Management, Project Management, Program Management or similar role involving field work and/or logistics.


  • Proficient in MS Office / 365 suite: strong expertise in PowerPoint, Word, Excel


  • Experience with Project Management tools / software (Asana, MS Project, Airtable, Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com, etc.)


  • AI Integration: Demonstrated experience leveraging generative AI tools within approved guidelines to enhance productivity and speed creative processes.


  • Possess and maintain a valid US driver's license and successful Department of Motor Vehicles driving record check.


  • Possess, or be able to obtain, a passport and visas for global international travel.


Physical Requirements/Certifications

  • Ability to pass and maintain a US FMCSA Driver Qualification, including medical examination for driving non-CDL vehicles with GVWR over 10,000 lbs. Employment offers will be contingent on passing medical examination.


  • This role requires the ability to work in remote field environments with limited access to medical facilities for approximate periods of 2-3 weeks. Cisco will engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations where applicable


  • Previous experience or willingness to learn to safely drive large vehicles/trailers. Our fleet is all under 26001 lbs, GVWR/GCVWR. (training to be provided)


  • Ability to perform physically strenuous activities (lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs). Using and maintaining equipment and performing physical activities within OSHA guidelines. (e.g. climbing ladders, using power and hand tools, etc.)


  • FEMA IS-100, 200, 700, 800 (ability to obtain certification within 90 days);


  • FEMA ICS-300, 400 (ability to obtain certification within 1 year).


  • Acquire and maintain current First Aid / CPR / AED certification from AHA, Red Cross or other US nationally accredited organization. (ability to obtain certification within 1 year)


Preferred Qualifications

  • BS/BA or equivalent experience with demonstrated critical thinking, creative problem-solving skills, teamwork and collaboration.


  • Project Management Certification or training in progress.


  • Event planning experience for groups of 10 or more, including trainings, trade shows, and off-site team outings. Certified Meeting Planner or similar desirable.


  • Basic knowledge of Cisco's solutions portfolio. Technical background a plus but not required.


  • Background with military, public safety, humanitarian aid, or Cisco Crisis Response Community, especially with global, cross-functional teams.


  • Familiarity with networking and/or radio communications systems.


  • Mechanical, electrical, and/or technical troubleshooting experience. DIY household repair / construction experience or similar.


  • Formal leadership training and/or supervisory experience.


  • Adult learning training (adult learning theory / instructor methodology) or related experience.


  • Previous public speaking at conferences, trade shows, or customer briefings, including developing and delivering presentations.


  • Foreign language proficiency at conversational level, especially Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Japanese

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
Telecommunications & Hardware
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ
CSCO
* Ladders Estimates

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