Strategy & Planning Manager

Role Description

This is a remote role. Preference for candidate to be located in RTP, Atlanta or Austin but willing to look at any US location.

Americas Strategy, Planning, and Operations (SP&O) is a dynamic organization where innovation and technology come together to help our sales teams deliver on customer outcomes. We are seeking a best-in-class Strategy & Planning Manager, who can partner with cross-functional collaborators (GTM Strategy & Transformation, BI & Analytics, Operations, Theater, Specialist, Finance, & Business Units), AMER SP&O head and SUPPORT them to design data driven GTM strategy & Planning, run the business and execute operational plans/key initiatives that translate into sales growth.

Your Impact

• Holistic Planning Engine: Serve as the primary orchestrator for End-to-End planning, including GTM Strategy, Operations, Readiness, Recognition, Events. Ensure all tasks are meticulously captured, assigned, tracked, and driven to timely completion.
• Run the Hub (Business Management System): Own and Govern Americas sales/SP&O cadence. Initial Focus will be on standardizing BI reports Rhythm.
• Strategic Initiatives: Support/Drive high-impact strategic, analytical & operational sales initiatives that align with the organization's goals.
• Executive Communication: Tell the strategy planning or analytical report story to senior executives. Prepare COO for SLT level strategic meetings, offsites and presentations.
• Thought Leadership: Provide strategic guidance and insights to drive innovation and continuous improvement in sales practices.
• Master Calendar Leader: Own, design & update Americas rolling 6 weeks calendar including proactive dates related to planning, reviews, Offsites, Executives meetings & Events.
• Bridge Connector: Develop and execute a proactive communication strategy, regularly meeting & informing leadership and cross-functional stakeholders of upcoming priorities.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and improve strategic & operational planning processes and tools.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify potential risks, dependencies, and challenges within ongoing workstreams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a combination of sales strategy, planning & operations, or management consulting.
• Minimum BA/BS degree or equivalent experience; MBA a plus.
• Demonstrable experience partnering with executive sales strategic planning & operations leaders.
• Strong in framing & structuring business problems, prioritizing efforts, and conducting complex analysis.
• Be fact-based and hands-on with data and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive execution in a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of business intelligence (BI) tools and SQL a plus.
• Project management experience required.
• Extensive experience working directly with Executive leadership.
• Consistent track record in cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

• Strong communications & influencing skills.
• Growth mindset, curious and flexible.
• A standout colleague who loves a challenge.
• Fail forward attitude, leads as a natural innovator.
• Data driven, able to see the heart of the results.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday.
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday.
• Paid time off for personal wellness.
• 16 days of paid vacation time for non-exempt employees.
• Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees.
• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter.
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.