Leader, Product Operations- Supply Chain
Cisco · Posted Oct 15
Networking, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT infrastructure services
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About the role
Cisco's Product Operations team is a collaborative, innovation-focused group whose mission is to Think Really Big, Play to Win, and Drive Durable Growth, partnering with Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, GSM, and Supply Chain across the full product lifecycle. The role provides strategic oversight for the integrated product operations organization, spanning NPI through End-of-Life for hardware products. This leader will define the product operations roadmap, mentor engineers and program managers, drive quality, risk mitigation, and cost-avoidance initiatives, and influence cross-functional and executive stakeholders.
What you will do
- Define and execute the strategic roadmap for the product operations organization to support global scale and efficiency.
- Provide leadership and career mentorship to a diverse team of Electrical, Mechanical, and Test Development Engineers and Program Managers.
- Foster deep collaboration with Hardware Engineering and Supply Chain partners to ensure seamless transitions from NPI through End-of-Life.
- Oversee organizational quality benchmarks and drive proactive risk mitigation across the product portfolio.
- Champion value engineering and cost avoidance initiatives to maximize gross margins and operational profitability.
- Facilitate executive-level communications to provide status updates, performance insights, and strategic recommendations.
- Lead the development of processes and technology frameworks that enable our teams to innovate faster and solve complex technical challenges.
- Ensure adherence to rigorous operational standards and financial stewardship across all hardware programs.
Skills used in this role
What the employer is looking for
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in product operations, supply chain, or engineering leadership within the high-tech industry.
- Proven track record of building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
- Expertise in full product lifecycle management (NPI to EOL) and deep understanding of manufacturing dynamics.
- Advanced ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive strategy without direct authority.
- Outstanding written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex budgets and operational performance metrics.
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering or an MBA.
- Experience leading large-scale electronics manufacturing operations or hyper-scaler infrastructure programs.
- Certification in Project Management (PMP) or process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma).
- Deep familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and enterprise PLM systems.
- Experience scaling organizations through periods of significant growth or technical transformation.
Benefits and support
- Compensation and benefits are detailed in the job posting
About Cisco
Cisco Systems, Inc. is a worldwide leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions that transform how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. The company specializes in routing, switching, data center infrastructure, and software-defined networking designed for enterprises of all sizes. Today, Cisco drives major advancements in AI infrastructure, observability, and secure hybrid work platforms.
- Industry
- Networking
- Company size
- 90000+ employees
- Founded
- 1984
- Location
- San Jose, California, USA
- Funding stage
- Public Company
Leadership
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
President and Chief Product Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer
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