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

The application window is expected to close on: 10/08/2026 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.

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.

• 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 partners 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.

• MBA, advanced degree, or equivalent combination of technical background and practical business experience.
• Experience operating within a centralized AI Center of Excellence (CoE), Enterprise Transformation Office, or Chief Strategy/AI Organization.
• Working knowledge of enterprise AI governance standards, ethical AI frameworks, and regulatory landscapes (e.g., ISO/IEC 42001, EU AI Act, AIUC-1).

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and…