Strategy & Planning Manager

The application window is expected to close on: 08/17/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received . Meet the Team You will be a key leader within the Cisco Security Trust & Organization, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Trust & Compliance. You are responsible for driving strategy, operational scale, and cross-functional execution across the enterprise compliance portfolio. Strategy & Execution: Define and operationalize long-term compliance and cloud assurance strategies, ensuring efficient regional market access and regulatory readiness. Operational Excellence: Drive standardization, automation, and portfolio governance across multi-cloud, SaaS, and hybrid environments. AI & Automation: Lead initiatives to scale compliance operations through AI and intelligent workflow integration, reducing manual effort and enhancing audit readiness. Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Engineering, Product, Security, Legal, and GTM teams to improve execution and remove blockers. Data-Driven Insights: Develop executive-ready dashboards and metrics to support data-driven decision-making and program maturity. Regional Readiness, Governance & Cross-Functional Operations Operational Planning: Support the planning and execution of regional cloud compliance availability, certification expansion, and regulated market readiness. Cross-Functional Coordination: Lead initiatives across Product, Engineering, Security, Infrastructure, PMO, and GTM teams to improve execution, alignment, and operational scalability. Governance Frameworks: Contribute to governance models that improve prioritization, dependency management, portfolio visibility, and roadmap alignment. Stakeholder Influence: Influence stakeholders through strong collaboration and data-driven insights to remove operational blockers and improve organizational communication. Market Enablement: Assist with market access impact analysis and certification prioritization to support global business growth and customer trust. Market Monitoring: Develop and enhance monitoring processes to identify emerging compliance and regulatory trends, enabling proactive risk management and supporting competitive advantage.

A strategic systems thinker who can build scalable frameworks and influence cross-functional executives. You possess a passion for operational transformation and have a demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges to achieve business results. A leader who thrives in a dynamic, matrixed environment and drives operational rigor without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. You have an analytical mindset with experience leveraging metrics and automation to drive scalable outcomes. A trusted advisor who can communicate effectively at all levels, from technical engineering teams to executive leadership.

7+ years of experience in cloud security, compliance, strategic operations, or technical program management. 3+ years leading cross-functional programs or strategic projects in cloud/enterprise technology environments. Deep expertise in cloud security and compliance frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, SOC 2, CSA STAR). Proven ability to drive enterprise transformation and operational maturity. Strong executive presence with exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, PMP, CISA, CRISC) are highly preferred. Why Cisco?  At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and