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- Tasks: Shape strategic deals and drive initiatives in Cloud & AI sales.
- Company: Cisco is a global leader in technology, connecting the world securely and inclusively.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, 10 days for community service, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a team that values diversity, innovation, and making a positive impact on the world.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategy or operations; strong analytical skills and business insight required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that celebrates individuality and encourages growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our Organization: The Worldwide Cloud & AI Infrastructure Sales Strategy & Planning team focuses on driving growth, improving seller efficiency, and ensuring the business operates efficiently. We are part of the centralized Global Specialist Strategy and Planning (GSSP) organization that is tasked to drive strategy, planning, and operations in support of Cisco’s Specialist Sales Teams. This opportunity will be focused on the Compute & Data Center Networking architectures, which includes Servers, Nexus, and MDS product lines.
What You'll Do: You will be a business partner to the Global CAI Platform sales leaders and Region specialist teams. This highly visible role will actively contribute to shaping strategic deals within the CAI portfolio. You will engage with Sales leaders, the Specialist S&P organization, CAI Sales Specialists, Business Units, Finance, and other cross-functional organizations.
- Competitive Deal Support: Lead deal structuring for competitive deals ensuring Cisco is optimally positioned.
- Drive key GTM initiatives and programs: Accelerate select initiatives and sales-play programs.
- Strategic Planning: Assess business trends using bookings, pipeline, and product specific data to drive appropriate business accountability, operational efficiency gains, and GTM strategy understanding. Software licensing and offer structure knowledge a plus.
- Cross-functional engagement & alignment: Drive cross organizational collaboration, alignment, and execution with Sales, Finance, and the BU.
Who You'll Work With: The position will work closely with the CAI (Cloud & AI Infrastructure) S&P team members, Sales Leaders, Finance, CAI Specialist Teams, Business Units (engineering), Marketing, Channels, and other cross-functional organizations.
Who You Are: A trusted advisor who is proactive, adept at challenging the status quo and executing a strategy extremely well. You possess strong analytical abilities, as you must evaluate all aspects of a deal, including potential risks and benefits. You will be a standout colleague, who always has your teammate's back, and encourages others to achieve success. You will be the strategic thinker analytical addition we need. You are the missing link who understands the numbers and is curious enough to push limits and flexible enough to enjoy the variety.
Skills and experience desired: 5+ years of strategy, operations, or related experience. Commercial Finance / deal structuring experience preferred. Ability to interpret business trends and make recommendations to Senior Leadership. Business Insight – Proven understanding of Cisco’s sales cycle, organization, and GTM objectives: sales, channels and services. Strong analytical skills and proficiency with business intelligence tools. Ability to influence and govern strategically. Skilled at interfacing cross-functionally at multiple levels of leadership. Results and metric oriented. Basic understanding of the following tools: Excel (Pivot-Tables, etc.), FINBI, PowerPoint (presentation building), MDM, CCW, SFDC, Cisco Ready, & MBR.
Why Cisco: #WeAreCisco. We are all unique, but collectively we bring our talents to work as a team, to develop innovative technology and power a more inclusive, digital future for everyone. Nearly every internet connection around the world touches Cisco. We’re the Internet’s optimists. Our technology makes sure the data travelling at light speed across connections does so securely, yet it’s not what we make but what we make happen which marks us out. We’re helping those who work in the health service to connect with patients and each other; schools, colleges and universities to teach in even the most challenging of times. We’re helping businesses of all shapes and size to connect with their employees and customers in new ways, providing people with access to the digital skills they need and connecting the most remote parts of the world – whether through 5G, or otherwise. We tackle whatever challenges come our way. We have each other’s backs, we recognise our accomplishments, and we grow together. We celebrate and support one another – from big and small things in life to big career moments. And giving back is in our DNA (we get 10 days off each year to do just that). We know that powering an inclusive future starts with us. Because without diversity and a dedication to equality, there is no moving forward. Our 30 Inclusive Communities, that bring people together around commonalities or passions, are leading the way. Together we’re committed to learning, listening, caring for our communities, whilst supporting the most vulnerable with a collective effort to make this world a better place either with technology, or through our actions. So, you have colorful hair? Don’t care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That’s cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us! #WeAreCisco
Strategy & Planning Manager, Cloud & AI employer: Cisco Systems, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Cisco Systems, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy & Planning Manager, Cloud & AI
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cisco's Cloud & AI portfolio. Understanding the specific products like Servers, Nexus, and MDS will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team and drive strategic deals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees in the Strategy & Planning team or related departments. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills and become proficient with business intelligence tools mentioned in the job description. Being able to demonstrate your ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with different teams, as this role requires strong alignment with various departments like Sales and Finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Planning Manager, Cloud & AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategy, operations, and any specific skills mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the Cloud & AI sector and how your background aligns with Cisco's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
Showcase Cross-Functional Experience: Emphasise any experience you have working across different teams or departments. Highlight how you have successfully collaborated with sales, finance, or engineering teams to achieve business objectives.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you have used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles. Mention any tools you are proficient in, such as Excel or business intelligence software, to reinforce your analytical capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco Systems, Inc.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Strategy & Planning Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with Cisco's Cloud & AI portfolio, especially the Compute & Data Center Networking architectures. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with the job.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Highlight any experience you have with business intelligence tools and how they can be applied to the role.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across different departments. Discuss how you’ve driven alignment and execution in previous roles, showcasing your ability to influence stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of specific instances where you had to structure deals or assess business trends, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
