Product Lifecycle Project Manager

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

• Contribute to the development and execution of supply chain and PLM strategies that strengthen processes, improve efficiency, and support organizational objectives.
• Work closely with teams across Product Operations, Global Manufacturing Operations (GMO), Technology & Quality (T&Q), Engineering, and other key supply chain groups to align priorities, shape decisions, and deliver meaningful organizational impact.
• Analyze data and processes from multiple functions to identify improvement opportunities and enable scalable, efficient operations.
• Champion change by advocating for innovative, future-ready solutions and guiding teams through process and policy transformations.
• Identify and mitigate operational and supply chain risks through cross-functional engagement and clear definition of key PLM processes.
• Facilitate design-thinking and business-sensing sessions to surface emerging challenges, understand BU needs, and ensure strategies are aligned with organizational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field; advanced degrees/certifications a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in PLM, NPI/Sustaining, hardware development, manufacturing operations, and/or end-to-end supply chain engineering.
• 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives in a supply chain operations environment.
• Proven skills in global process design/standardization, program management, and risk identification/mitigation.
• Strong communication, analytical, and systems skills, with the ability to learn Cisco’s supply chain dynamics quickly.

Qualifications

• Strong collaborator with excellent communication and partner-management capabilities.
• Skilled at articulating strategies, building alignment, and driving change without formal authority.
• Highly accountable with a track record of delivering and supporting continuous improvement.
• Data-driven problem solver with strong analytical abilities and a focus on operational excellence.
• Passionate about innovation and new technologies, including AI/ML and automation in supply chain environments.

Skills

• Excellent understanding of supply chain and PLM principles.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of AI/ML and automation in supply chain environments.

Benefits

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks.

Pay

The starting salary range posted for this position is $122,200.00 to $154,700.00 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

Candidate must be local to the San Jose, RTP, or Austin area, as this is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days in office.