Strategy & Planning Manager - Enterprise AI Programs & Governance , Hybrid

The application window is expected to close on: 10/23/2026

The preferred location for this position is North Carolina, operating under a hybrid work model, though we are open to flexible, US-based hybrid arrangements for the right candidate.

** Meet the Team*
* Join the Cisco AI & Automation Center, a team at the heart of Cisco's operational strategy. Our mission is to drive a step-change in internal efficiency by embedding AI and automation across all business processes and functions. As part of Cisco Operations, this Center designs and executes an enterprise-wide AI strategy, accelerating adoption while ensuring alignment with our business objectives. This role is embedded within the AI Programs and Enablement team - providing strategic direction and trusted frameworks for responsible AI adoption across the company.

** Your Impact*
* You will play a foundational role in scaling Cisco's AI Programs & Governance function. You will operate at the intersection of strategy, technology, and policy, shaping the path for responsible AI innovation r work will enable enterprise teams across Cisco to move fast and innovate safely, balancing business acceleration with risk management.

+ Operationalize AI Policies & Standards:
Partner with Security and Legal to define and operationalize clear, practical governance policies and technical standards for building, deploying, and scaling Enterprise AI Applications.

+ Strengthen AI Tool Governance:
Evolve the end-to-end process for evaluating and onboarding third-party AI tools in partnership with cross-functional teams - balancing innovation, risk management, speed, and cost discipline.

+ Orchestrate Cross-Functional Engagement:
Align partners across business and technology functions to drive decisions and coordinate enterprise-wide execution of AI governance priorities.

+ Champion Enterprise Platform Adoption:
Partner with Platform and Enablement teams to increase adoption and translate platform capabilities into tangible business outcomes, bringing technical fluency to business engagements.

+ Accelerate AI Governance Technical

Roadmap:

Partner with Platform, Security, and IT teams to accelerate the delivery of technical capabilities required to automate AI governance at scale.

+ Shape the Future of AI Governance:
Monitor emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and industry best practices to continuously strengthen Cisco's enterprise AI Programs & Governance strategy and operating model.

** Minimum Qualifications*
* + 8+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Product Management, Technical Program Management, Management Consulting or a related field.

+ Strong technical foundation, with the ability to engage credibly with both technical and business stakeholders and translate complex technical concepts into clear business strategies and outcomes.

+ Demonstrated experience establishing operating models, governance frameworks, or enterprise processes for AI / emerging technologies.

+ Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in a large enterprise environment, from solution design through execution.

+ Experience developing executive-level narratives, recommendations, and presentations that drive decisions and advance strategic initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

** Why Cisco?*
* At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

** Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:*
* The starting salary range posted for this position is $ to $ and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions,…