At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in Higher Education, driving operational excellence and investment performance.
- Company: Join Cisco, a leader in technology with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence key stakeholders and drive societal impact.
- 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.
- Provide leadership to a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Implement robust tracking mechanisms to measure the success of CDA initiatives, reporting on KPIs, investment ROI, and strategic milestones to senior leadership.
- 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.
- Oversee the investment programme lifecycle, from identifying high-impact opportunities to securing funding and monitoring execution.
- 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.
- 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 employer: Cisco
Cisco is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the Higher Education sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities and foster a dynamic work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our strategic location allows for impactful engagement with key stakeholders, ensuring that our investments not only drive commercial success but also contribute positively to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy, Operations and Investment Programme Lead - Higher Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Higher Education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the Higher Education landscape. Share insights on current trends and challenges, and how you can help them navigate these waters. This will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the market.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading strategic programmes and how they relate to the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep it engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy, Operations and Investment Programme Lead - Higher Education
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 needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a cross-functional team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or fostered collaboration in previous roles. We love seeing how you can inspire and drive a team towards success!
Highlight Market Knowledge:We’re looking for someone who understands the Higher Education landscape inside out. Make sure to mention any insights you have about current challenges, funding models, or digital transformation trends. This will show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about the sector!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Make sure you’ve done your homework on the Higher Education landscape. Understand the current challenges, funding models, and digital transformation trends. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and accountability. Be ready to discuss how you can mentor others and drive a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would align Cisco’s investments with market needs. Think about specific strategies you could implement to capture market share and drive revenue. Use data and examples from your experience to back up your ideas.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and how you would ensure alignment on strategic goals. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving success.
