Business Development Manager, AI

Cisco•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Join our dynamic team focusing on developing and supporting technology partnerships that enhance Cisco's product portfolio. As part of Cisco's Business Development and Partnerships Team, we focus on fostering strategic partnerships that enhance Cisco’s presence in the AI ecosystem. Collaborating across Cisco’s businesses, we aim to position Cisco as a leader in enabling AI-driven solutions while delivering transformative value to our partners and customers. Your Impact As the Business Development Manager - AI Partnerships, you will play a pivotal role in building, maintaining, and advancing Cisco’s presence in the AI ecosystem. You’ll build and maintain strategic partnerships, identify growth opportunities, and align Cisco’s strengths with the needs of the AI landscape. Your work will directly contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address emerging market demands in an evolving space. Collaborate with product groups to align AI partnership strategies with Cisco’s core strengths and develop and execute partner support plans for innovation, enablement, marketing, and co-selling. Provide insights into emerging AI and market trends, articulate Cisco’s positioning within the ecosystem, and develop creative solutions for localized initiatives. Identifying, evaluating and supporting AI-focused partnership opportunities with key players in the industry, including startups, Hyperscalers, semiconductors and ecosystem partners. Build and nurture relationships with technical and business partners across the AI ecosystem while working cross-functionally with Cisco’s product, engineering, sales, marketing, and legal teams to ensure successful partnership outcomes. Manage all aspects of the program, including governance, business planning, return on investment analysis, and metrics reporting, while identifying areas for enhancement and implementing solutions to accelerate growth.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Product Management, Technical Marketing, Partnerships, or a related role
Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience analyzing market data and sales metrics to inform strategic decision-making
Experience driving partnerships and/or leading go-to-market initiatives OR experience in cloud infrastructure, semiconductors, or Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Experience managing the end-to-end product lifecycle for consumer or enterprise offerings

Nice To Haves

Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and collaborate across cross-functional, matrixed teams
Experience navigating ambiguity and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly evolving environment
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic business plans, drive execution, and deliver measurable outcomes
Passion for AI-driven innovation, with a strong understanding of AI trends, technologies, and key players
Broad understanding of Cisco’s products, services, and partner ecosystem, with the ability to accelerate joint sales activities with strategic partners

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strategic partnerships
Identify growth opportunities
Align Cisco’s strengths with the needs of the AI landscape
Collaborate with product groups to align AI partnership strategies with Cisco’s core strengths
Develop and execute partner support plans for innovation, enablement, marketing, and co-selling
Provide insights into emerging AI and market trends
Articulate Cisco’s positioning within the ecosystem
Develop creative solutions for localized initiatives
Identify, evaluate and support AI-focused partnership opportunities with key players in the industry, including startups, Hyperscalers, semiconductors and ecosystem partners
Build and nurture relationships with technical and business partners across the AI ecosystem
Work cross-functionally with Cisco’s product, engineering, sales, marketing, and legal teams to ensure successful partnership outcomes
Manage all aspects of the program, including governance, business planning, return on investment analysis, and metrics reporting
Identify areas for enhancement and implement solutions to accelerate growth

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
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt employees)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
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 (for non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)