Strategy & Planning Manager III

Position: Strategy & Planning Manager III (Full-Time) - United States
Please note this posting is to advertise potential job opportunities. This exact role may not be open today but could open in the near future. When you apply, a Cisco representative may contact you directly if a relevant position opens.

Applications are accepted until further notice. Meet the Team We are Cisco Operations, the organization that drives accelerated growth by powering the company to securely deliver high-quality products and experiences. Our vision is to power a secure Cisco with simplicity, speed, and growth, so customers, partners, and employees choose us every time. Your Impact Our MBA Strategy & Planning Rotation Program offers the opportunity to work on high-priority, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives at a global technology leader.

You will partner closely with senior leaders to solve complex business problems and drive meaningful impact.

You will lead cross-functional work from concept through execution, translate data into clear, actionable insights, and guide senior-level discussions that build alignment and momentum. By taking ownership, anticipating risks, and communicating effectively, you will deliver measurable outcomes while strategically integrating AI solutions into business processes, analysis, and decision-making. In this program, you will lead a strategic initiative tied directly to Cisco’s near-term business priorities.

Responsibilities may include:
Owning a high-impact project from problem definition through recommendation Developing business cases, metrics, and KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness Synthesizing insights into clear, executive-ready presentations Partnering with cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution Presenting findings and recommendations to senior leaders

Past rotations have included:
Driving the design, implementation, and measurement of a new global distributor planning motion

Building the strategy, operating model design, and change management plan for a new global customer support coverage model Leading Cisco’s 5-year Supply Chain readiness strategy

Identifying opportunities to improve Cisco’s  GTM capabilities in Cloud Marketplaces Supervising a pilot offer launch program and communicating recommendations to senior partners based on findings

Minimum Qualifications Recent graduate or in your final year of studies towards an MBA or a related graduate-level business program. Qualifying education should be in business strategy, strategic planning, management consulting, business operations or a related field. Demonstrated ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information and develop actionable recommendations. Strong structured problem-solving and project management skills, including the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from definition through execution.

Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clear, concise recommendations. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions, build stakeholder alignment, influence without direct authority, and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

Preferred Qualifications Experience in technology, management consulting, or corporate strategy.

Skilled in developing business cases, financial analyses, and KPIs to evaluate opportunities and measure business outcomes. Demonstrated experience applying AI and automation to solve complex business problems and streamline workflows. Proven ability to develop recommendations for senior executives and support high-impact, enterprise-level initiatives. Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and drive initiatives independently with limited…