Leader, Product Operations

About the role

The Global Process Operations (GPO) group is a core part of the Product Operations Central team, providing centralized expertise that strengthens the strategic and operational framework for Business Units (BUs) across Cisco’s product portfolio. This team partners with cross-functional leaders to define product lifecycle management (PLM) strategies, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation and transformation across NPI, sustaining, and end-to-end supply chain processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key partner to Business Units and cross-functional teams, ensuring operational processes are scalable, efficient, and aligned with business objectives.
• Leverage data, analytics, and process expertise to find opportunities for transformation, improve operational performance, and influence strategic decision-making.
• Lead and mentor a team of Global Process Owners (GPOs), process owners, and data teams leading data-oriented process enhancements.
• Drive process governance, accountability, and operational excellence across NPI and sustaining product lifecycles.
• Define and implement process strategy by standardizing and optimizing global operations to improve scalability, efficiency, quality, and business agility.
• Establish governance frameworks, policies, and lifecycle controls that ensure consistent execution, compliance, and alignment across the organization.
• Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to identify risks, uncover improvement opportunities, and communicate actionable insights to executive leadership through compelling storytelling and dashboards.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated solutions and support strategic business objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, using data-driven decision making to resolve operational challenges, measure transformation outcomes, and strengthen end-to-end supply chain performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in supply chain, product operations, compliance, program management, or related functions within a global hardware manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, governance, standardization, and continuous improvement across complex, cross-functional organizations.
• Strong knowledge of global supply chain operations, trade compliance, country-of-origin regulations, tariffs, and supplier compliance management.
• Proven leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, leverage data-driven insights, and drive organizational change at scale.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of hardware manufacturing, NPI, and end-to-end supply chain dynamics.
• Familiarity with compliance-tracking tools, trade compliance, and Country of Origin (COO) regulations.
• Experience in managing competing priorities and driving measurable business results in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Process design and optimization.
• Leadership and mentoring.
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.

Pay

The starting salary range posted for this position is $159,800.00 to $202,300.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days in office per week.