AI Strategy & Planning Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Cisco • San Jose, CA

12d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelors or 5- 8+ years of experience in corporate strategy, business planning, or operational roles, with measurable impact on business outcomes
• AI-driven innovator with hands-on experience experimenting with AI tools, a solid operations background, and proven expertise in go-to-market (GTM) strategy execution
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives that achieved quantifiable business growth or operational improvements within defined timelines.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision insurance
• a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
• paid parental leave
• short and long-term disability coverage
• basic life insurance
• grants of Cisco restricted stock units
• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
• Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
• Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
• annual bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level