At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in Higher Education, driving digital acceleration and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Cisco, a leader in technology innovation with a focus on education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence key stakeholders and drive change.
- Why this job: Make a difference in Higher Education while shaping the future of digital transformation.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in strategy or operations, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Your Impact
We are seeking a strategic and operationally-minded Business Development Manager to drive the Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) strategy within the Higher Education sector. In this role, you will be the bridge between strategic vision and operational execution, ensuring our investments in Higher Education are aligned with market needs and Cisco’s long-term growth objectives. Your primary responsibility is to lead the CDA operational framework, manage the investment programme performance, and empower our sales teams to capture market share through tailored growth plans. You will act as a subject matter expert on the Higher Education landscape, ensuring that our investments deliver both societal impact and commercial success.
In This Multifaceted Role, You Will
- Drive Operational Excellence: Establish and manage the governance framework for the Higher Education CDA programme, ensuring all projects are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with Cisco standards.
- Lead and Mentor: Provide leadership to a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor Programme Performance: Implement robust tracking mechanisms to measure the success of CDA initiatives, reporting on KPIs, investment ROI, and strategic milestones to senior leadership.
- Market Intelligence: Maintain a deep understanding of the Higher Education market, including policy shifts, funding models, and digital transformation trends, ensuring Cisco’s positioning remains competitive and relevant.
- Investment Strategy: Oversee the investment programme lifecycle, from identifying high-impact opportunities to securing funding and monitoring execution.
- Sales Enablement: Collaborate closely with the sales organization to translate market insights into actionable growth plans, supporting the team in executing strategies that drive revenue and long-term customer partnerships.
- Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment on strategic goals and resource allocation.
Minimum Qualifications
- Proven experience in leading strategic programmes or operational excellence functions, ideally within the technology or Higher Education sectors.
- Strong understanding of the Higher Education market landscape, including current challenges and opportunities for digital innovation.
- Experience in managing investment portfolios or large-scale project budgets with a demonstrated track record of delivering measurable outcomes.
- Leadership experience with a focus on team development, coaching, and cross-functional influence.
- Ability to translate complex data and market trends into clear, actionable business strategies.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence C-suite stakeholders and academic leadership.
- 8+ years of professional experience in strategy, operations, or business development roles.
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep knowledge of Cisco’s portfolio and how it addresses the specific needs of the Higher Education sector (e.g., campus connectivity, hybrid learning, cybersecurity).
- Experience in public-private partnerships or government-aligned digital acceleration programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex agreements and manage multi-year investment cycles.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in business reporting and performance management tools.
Strategy, Operations and Investment Programme Lead - Higher Education in Manchester employer: Cisco
Cisco is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the Higher Education sector. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to operational excellence, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through strategic investments that align with societal needs. Located in a vibrant tech hub, Cisco fosters an environment where creativity thrives, empowering its workforce to drive digital transformation and shape the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy, Operations and Investment Programme Lead - Higher Education in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Higher Education sector, attend relevant events, and connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in strategy and operations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share these insights to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cisco, and express your interest in contributing to their mission in Higher Education. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you land that dream role, so take advantage of all the resources we offer to boost your chances.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy, Operations and Investment Programme Lead - Higher Education in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategy and operations, especially within the Higher Education sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a cross-functional team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've mentored others and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
Demonstrate Market Knowledge:We’re looking for someone who understands the Higher Education landscape. Include insights about current trends or challenges you’ve navigated, and how you can apply that knowledge to drive our CDA strategy.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Higher Education landscape. Research current trends, challenges, and opportunities for digital innovation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in cross-functional teams. Think about times when you fostered collaboration or drove operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how you can mentor and develop others in the role.
✨Quantify Your Achievements
When discussing your past experiences, focus on measurable outcomes. Use specific metrics to demonstrate how you've successfully managed investment portfolios or delivered strategic programmes. This will help you stand out as someone who delivers results.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Think of examples where you built relationships with key partners or internal teams. Highlight how you ensured alignment on strategic goals, as this is crucial for the role.
