Cisco

Strategy & Planning Manager, Cisco Product

Cisco$198K — $273K *
US-AnywhereRemote in San Jose, CA
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 12 years experience, Master's with 8 years, or PhD with 5 years in a relevant field.
  • 6+ years of experience in managing complex strategic programs or business planning.
  • 4+ years leading cross-functional initiatives in operations environments.
  • Proven experience in building integrated plans and governance processes.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional programs from inception to execution and closure.
  • Translate vague objectives into structured programs with clear outcomes and scope.
  • Develop comprehensive execution plans that link teams, milestones, and risks across the organization.
  • Establish processes that facilitate fast decision-making and accountability during project delivery.
  • Provide senior leaders with clear visibility into program status, risks, and actions required.
  • Improve execution systems for enhanced efficiency in delivering projects.
  • Document lessons learned to create scalable practices for future programs.

Benefits

  • Remote work flexibility, with preference for candidates in the western US.
  • Opportunity to influence high-impact initiatives across multiple departments.
  • Engagement in complex projects that drive company strategy and outcomes.
  • Collaboration with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 09/17/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

This position is remote, preference will be given to candidates in the western region of the United States.

Your Impact

As a Senior Strategy & Planning Program Manager, you will lead high-priority, complex initiatives that span products, architectures, go-to-market, operations, and customer outcomes. These programs often begin with an understood destination but an unclear path: ownership, dependencies, decisions, measures, and operating mechanisms must be defined and aligned.

You will serve as the connective execution layer across the organization-turning strategy into actionable, governed programs. You will not own product strategy, technical design, engineering delivery, or commercial decisions; instead, you will enable accountable leaders to make timely decisions and execute effectively through coordinated planning, governance, risk management, and clear executive visibility. In this role, you will:
  • Lead strategic, cross-functional programs from initial framing through execution, transition, and closeout.
  • Translate ambiguous objectives into a clear program structure: outcomes, scope, workstreams, sponsorship, measures, dependencies, decision rights, and path to delivery.
  • Develop integrated execution plans that connect teams, milestones, assumptions, risks, and commitments across organizational boundaries.
  • Establish processes and operating rhythms that accelerate decisions, surface tradeoffs early, and maintain accountability through delivery.
  • Provide senior leaders with concise, decision-oriented visibility into program health, progress, risks, dependencies, and actions required.
  • Improve execution systems and operating mechanisms so teams spend less time on manual coordination and reporting, and more time delivering strategic outcomes.
  • Capture lessons learned, reusable templates, and scalable practices that strengthen future programs.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors + 12 years of related experience, or Masters + 8 years of related experience, or PhD + 5 years of related experience, or equivalent relevant work experience
  • 6+ years of experience leading complex strategic programs, business planning initiatives, business operations, or product/go-to-market operations.
  • 4+ years leading large, cross-functional initiatives in an operations-focused environment.
  • Experience building integrated plans, executive governance, operating cadences, performance metrics, and risk/dependency management processes.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Exceptional communication and influence skills, including the ability to engage senior leaders, align diverse stakeholders, and drive decisions without direct authority.
  • Strong analytical judgment and ability to turn complex information into clear recommendations, tradeoffs, and executive-ready updates.
  • Experience in enterprise technology, SaaS, product management, product operations, go-to-market execution, or customer lifecycle programs.
  • Familiarity with product lifecycle motions, including launches, refreshes, migrations, End-of-Sale, and End-of-Life.
  • Experience working across product, engineering, sales, finance, customer success, and operations organizations.
  • Experience with portfolio management, financial analysis, dashboards, CRM/reporting tools, and program-management methodologies.
  • PMP, Agile, Scrum, or comparable program-management certification.


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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