Cisco

Strategy & Planning Manager

Cisco • $128K — $179K *
Milpitas, CA 95035In-Person
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree plus 5 years or Master's degree plus 3 years in corporate strategy, business planning, or operations.
  • Proficiency using spreadsheets for data analysis and model development.
  • Experience in managing cross-functional initiatives that yield measurable outcomes.
  • Demonstrated project and program management capabilities with diverse stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong skills in crafting executive communications and synthesizing complex information into clear narratives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and oversee strategic direction and business plans aligned with company objectives.
  • Execute go-to-market strategies for AI offerings, ensuring all launch and operational readiness tasks are met.
  • Lead operational initiatives for the Chief of Staff, focusing on planning, prioritization, and coordination.
  • Establish and maintain team operating rhythms and meeting schedules for effective communication.
  • Promote team culture through engagement activities and programs that foster connection.
  • Support urgent strategic projects, including executive requests and cross-functional collaborations.
  • Manage ad hoc operational workstreams to ensure clarity and accountability in execution.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for employee recognition and celebration activities.
  • Engagement programs that strengthen team culture and organizational connection.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/17/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Your Impact

In this role, you will play a foundational role in defining and driving the team's strategic direction, long-term business plans, and operating rhythm. You will help shape how Cisco's AI software and platform offerings are launched, tracked, and scaled, while supporting broader organizational priorities across strategy, operations, communications, culture, and special programs. This role requires someone who can move seamlessly between structured planning and fast-moving strategic priorities.

  • Develop and monitor strategic direction and long-term business plans in alignment with organizational goals.
  • Support go-to-market execution for AI software and platform offerings, including launches, enablement activities, operational readiness, and performance tracking.
  • Lead operational initiatives supporting the Chief of Staff function, including planning, prioritization, executive follow-through, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Establish and manage key team operating rhythms, including leadership team meetings, SLT offsites, All Hands, planning sessions, and business reviews.
  • Help build and reinforce team culture through employee recognition, celebrations, engagement activities, and programs that strengthen organizational connection.
  • Support strategic and time-sensitive initiatives, including executive requests, rapid-response projects, war rooms, action trackers, and cross-functional "fire drills."
  • Manage ad hoc programs and operational workstreams, ensuring clear ownership, timely updates, issue escalation, and follow-through.
  • Formalize and continuously improve onboarding for new employees, leaders, and teams joining the organization.
  • Track and report key business and GTM metrics, including pipeline, adoption, usage, launch readiness, and campaign performance.
  • Recommend, implement, and track operational improvements by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, visibility, and accountability through better data, tooling, and process clarity.
  • Collaborate with leadership, Sales, Marketing, Product, Engineering, Finance, People, Communications, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and timely execution.
  • Maintain key documentation, launch checklists, operating plans, trackers, decision logs, and process workflows for AI products and organizational initiatives.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's + 5 years of related experience, or Master's + 3 years of related experience or corporate strategy, business planning, or operational roles.
  • Experience working with data in spreadsheets, develop data-driven models, conduct market research, and present insights to leadership.
  • Experience supporting or leading cross-functional initiatives that deliver measurable business growth, organizational impact, or operational improvements.
  • Project and program management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution across diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience developing executive communications and organizational updates, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and actionable narratives.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with AI ethics, governance, and responsible AI principles and practices.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences, leadership levels, and communication channels.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational judgment, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
  • A proactive, adaptable mindset and willingness to step into ambiguous, time-sensitive, or high-priority initiatives.
  • Comfortable experimenting with AI tools and AI-enabled products to improve productivity, decision-making, and business processes.

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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