Strategy & Planning Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Meet The Team

The AI Software & Platform Team delivers AI Products so businesses around the world can defend against threats and safeguard the most meaningful aspects of the business with security resilience. We are passionate about making businesses secure and simplifying security with zero compromise.

Your Impact

As a Strategy & Planning Manager on the AI Software & Platform Team, you will partner with leadership to define and drive the team's strategic direction and long-term business plans. You will analyze market trends, develop actionable strategies, and measure their success through key metrics. Leading special projects, you will improve operational efficiency by implementing scalable tools and processes. Collaborating cross-functionally, you will ensure the team has the resources and insights needed to meet business goals. You will also champion best practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement to support both business outcomes and team growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop and monitor strategic direction and long-term business development plans in alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to drive key initiatives and support business operations.
• Support the development and market adoption of Cisco's AI Products, ensuring alignment with customer and market needs.
• Identify, analyze, and advise on industry and market trends to inform strategy development.
• Recommend, implement, and track operational improvements, assessing metrics to evaluate the impact of new strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors or 5- 8+ years of experience in corporate strategy, business planning, or operational roles, with measurable impact on business outcomes
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives that achieved quantifiable business growth or operational improvements within defined timelines.
• Experience with AI, cybersecurity, SaaS solutions, or enterprise software, including experience in product operations or go-to-market (GTM) execution.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with experience developing data-driven models, conducting market research and competitive analysis, and presenting insights to senior leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a refined ability to tailor messages to specific audiences in their preferred channels, experience in executive-level advising and interdepartmental collaboration, and excellent relationship-building skills to influence, persuade, and build trust across organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in AI, software, or platform strategy within a technology company, including familiarity with AI ethics, governance, and responsible AI practices.
• Proficiency in strategic planning tools and data visualization software, such as PowerPoint, Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills, with proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated project and program management expertise, with a track record of supporting AI product growth or go-to-market strategies and thriving in ambiguous environments.