Director, Strategy & Planning
About The Position
As a Director of Strategy & Planning, you will serve as a pivotal leader, partnering with executive leadership to define and drive the team’s strategic direction and long-term business plans. You will oversee the delivery of internal products and administrative systems by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with market trends and organizational goals. By combining high-level strategic analysis with direct people-management responsibilities, you will cultivate a high-performing team, improve operational efficiency, and champion the adoption of Cisco’s AI products to meet the evolving needs of our customers and stakeholders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 13+ years of experience in corporate strategy, business planning, or operational leadership roles.
- Track record of managing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives that achieved quantifiable business growth within defined timelines.
- Experience in direct people management, including developing high-performing teams and managing departmental budgets.
- Analytical and research skills, with experience developing data-driven models and presenting actionable insights to executive leadership.
- Expertise in go-to-market (GTM) strategy execution, with a solid background in AI-driven innovation and operational scaling.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
- Deep experience in AI, software, or platform strategy within a technology company, including familiarity with AI ethics and governance.
- Advanced proficiency in strategic planning and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
- Exceptional executive communication skills, with the ability to influence, persuade, and build trust across complex, matrixed organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous environments while maintaining a clear focus on long-term strategic objectives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and monitor long-term business development plans, ensuring all programs are delivered on schedule and within budget constraints.
- Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, overseeing the selection, development, and evaluation of personnel to ensure operational excellence.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to identify market trends, advise on strategy, and drive key initiatives that support AI product growth.
- Implement scalable tools and operational processes, tracking key metrics to evaluate the impact of new strategies on business outcomes.
- Facilitate interdepartmental communication and stakeholder management to ensure resource alignment and the successful execution of complex projects.
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)
- flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
- 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
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
