Leader, Strategy & Planning

What You'll Do

The Strategy, Planning and Operations Leader for APJC Systems Engineering is a critical role that supports the extended Systems Engineering organization across the region.  You will be working closely with the APJC Systems Engineering leadership team to identify ways to drive growth across Cisco’s technology portfolio from both a strategic and programmatic perspective.  We are looking for an innovative thinker who can bring together various teams, approaches, and activities into a cohesive strategy.  If you are ready to be part of entrepreneurial culture focused on accountability for all aspects of the vision, strategy, and execution, and have passion in technology, then this role is for you. 

You will also lead and develop a small Strategy & Planning team to define the APJC Systems Engineering strategic priorities, execute on programs, track performance, and drive operational excellence.

You will play a critical role to run and transform the business, including:

• Development of APJC Systems Engineering strategic priorities and systems engineering evolution, both short and long-term
• Create and execute on strategies and programs to drive overall portfolio penetration and accelerate team growth and alignment
• Manage the business with analytics, providing insights to identify growth opportunities to increase broad-based growth across our teams, portfolio and accounts
• Lead operational excellence in team and technology performance measurement and governance
• Own and drive key business processes such as long-range planning, annual plans, new-year readiness, quarterly business overviews, monthly and weekly operating cadences
• Planning and execution of an integrated field enablement program (Professional and Sales Skills) for the APJC Systems Engineering organization that aligns to the business priorities
• Partner with APJC theaters and functions to ensure alignment of Systems Engineering resources and technology initiatives
• Collaborate with Global Systems Engineering SPO teams to drive alignment and synergies
• Work closely with Finance, P&C, and other teams to ensure accountability and agility in execution

Who You'll Work With

You will be a senior leader in the APJC Strategy Planning & Operations function, an amazing team of 140 professionals in the region responsible for identifying growth opportunities, prioritizing investments/divestments, innovating go-to-market, realizing operational efficiencies, and bringing AI to modernize sales operations.  In addition, you will work day-to-day with the Systems Engineering leadership to support APJC Systems Engineering activities and drive technology growth.  You will also be working with the Global Systems Engineering strategy and planning team to align on priorities and help drive execution.    

Who You Are

You are a strong business leader with strong business acumen and consultative mindset, well-rounded set of skills, high level of energy and curiosity, flexibility, can-do attitude, and a passion for technology and people. You will thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

Your role is people, data, and communications intensive; it requires excellent leadership, critical thinking, independence, organizational, data analysis and communication skills, and managing by influence.

Specifically, we are looking for leaders who has the following characteristics and experiences:

• 10+ years in technology industry in a strategy & operations role or in a senior role in management consulting in the technology space.
• MBA from a top school is preferred
• Management Consulting experience from a top strategy consultancy is preferred
• Industry experience in technology, particularly in SaaS and Cloud, is preferred
• Experience in driving large regional cross-functional programs, from design to execution
• Strategic and innovative with an external awareness to adapt to market transitions and understand the nuances of selling complex solutions.
• Excellent leadership, management, strategic influencing, creative thinking, conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Strong collaboration skills, with amazing track record of leading and working with cross functional teams.
• Strong operational command of businesses, including metrics-based goals and achievement approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills and executive presence, with the ability to address and influence both executive and mid-level management.
• A self-starter and independent. Detail oriented, have a 'can-do' attitude, takes initiative and is highly organized. Acts with a sense of urgency.