Strategy & Planning Manager

About the Role

Join one of the fastest-expanding sales teams at Cisco, focusing on a crucial aspect of the business: expanding and protecting recurring software revenue streams. This unique position extends beyond traditional reporting and business operations by managing the entire strategy-to-execution process — from discovering growth opportunities to steering executive actions, crafting programs, and ensuring measurable success.

Key Advantages

• Direct influence on customer loyalty, software renewal rates, and profitable growth targets.
• Visibility and collaboration with global leaders across various Cisco departments.
• Opportunities to solve complex, high-impact business challenges leveraging data, automation, and modern processes.
• Extensive global, cross-functional exposure that enhances career progression.
• A dynamic, diverse, and energetic team known as a talent incubator within Cisco Sales.

Responsibilities

• Approach and resolve vague or ambiguous business challenges by devising strategic plans and leading projects from conception to execution and evaluation.
• Conduct rigorous, data-driven analysis including advanced Excel modeling, scenario planning, KPI tracking, and converting data into actionable guidance.
• Possess a deep understanding of recurring revenue models including enterprise software, SaaS, subscriptions, renewals, and factors driving customer retention or churn.
• Craft clear, concise executive communication including storytelling, presentations, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Sales, Customer Success, Product, Finance, and Operations teams in a global matrix setup.
• Utilize business intelligence tools and SQL skills for enhanced data insights (preferred but not mandatory).

Minimum Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in Sales Strategy, Planning, and Operations or a consistent outperformer in significant technology firms.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in business, finance, technology, or engineering fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning, or Business Operations within large technology companies like ServiceNow, Microsoft, Dell, or Google.
• Familiarity with B2B enterprise hardware/software, SaaS, or platform business models.
• Experience developing Long Range and Annual Strategic growth plans and devising faster process workflows.
• Excellent communication abilities—written, verbal, and visual—especially in creating impactful presentations and narratives.
• Proficiency in problem framing, priority setting, advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses, and building executive-level stories with actionable recommendations.
• Strong hands-on approach to data and analysis including Excel modeling and KPI development; knowledge of BI tools and SQL is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally as business needs arise.

Why Work at Cisco?

Cisco is at the forefront of transforming how data and infrastructures interconnect and safeguard organizations in the AI age and beyond. With 40 years of fearless innovation, Cisco delivers solutions that integrate human and technology interactions across both physical and digital environments, ensuring unmatched security, transparency, and insights throughout the entire digital landscape.

Our vast technology portfolio, combined with a global network of dedicated professionals, opens limitless opportunities to innovate and grow. We collaborate empathetically as a united team to accomplish impactful, large-scale initiatives worldwide. At Cisco, your contribution powers our global influence.