AI-Driven Strategic Planning Lead

Cisco Systems, Inc; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 117,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with Cisco matching

Paid parental leave

Disability coverage

Basic life insurance

Restricted stock units (RSU) grants

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is advancing strategic planning to evaluate opportunities and guide future investments. You will analyze market trends, build financial models, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast resources and plan initiatives with AI-powered tools. This role supports Cisco's growth and transformation with data-driven recommendations.

The position emphasizes rigorous analysis, planning accuracy, and proactive engagement with leaders to align priorities across the company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with related experience, or advanced degree with relevant work history.
• Experience in corporate strategy, business planning, operations or consulting.
• Experience with market research, competitive analysis and growth opportunity evaluation.
• Experience with financial modeling, forecasting, scenario planning and data analysis.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans linking Cisco's long-term goals to near-term priorities.
• Analyze market trends, competitors, and customer needs to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build forecasts, financial models, and scenarios to evaluate investments and resources.
• Collaborate with teams across Cisco to coordinate priorities, timelines, and resources.
• Apply AI and advanced analytics to improve research, forecasting, and planning.
• Review performance metrics, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to annual and multi-year planning and measure outcomes.
• Present findings and recommendations to leaders clearly and practically.
• Identify ways to simplify planning processes and improve collaboration.
• Evaluate how changes in technology, markets, and customer priorities affect plans.

Skills

Market research

Competitive analysis

Financial modeling

Forecasting

Scenario planning

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree + related experience

Master's degree + related experience

PhD + related experience

Tools

AI analytics tools

Planning tools

Financial modeling software

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is advancing strategic planning to evaluate opportunities and guide future investments. You will analyze market trends, build financial models, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast resources and plan initiatives with AI-powered tools. This role supports Cisco's growth and transformation with data-driven recommendations.

The position emphasizes rigorous analysis, planning accuracy, and proactive engagement with leaders to align priorities across the company.