Your ImpactAs Senior Leader, Strategic Customer Engagement, you will lead Cisco’s most influential executive customer engagement programs. You’ll be responsible for enhancing and scaling both the Global Customer Advisory Board (GCAB) and the Executive Sponsorship Program—initiatives critical to Cisco’s CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The Executive Sponsorship Program, in particular, is positioned for significant growth as a key enabler of customer loyalty and relationship development, and you will manage it in tandem with the GCAB to increase impact. While establishing credibility with the CEO and ELT is essential, your primary collaboration will be with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Communications leaders. This is an ideal role for someone with a strong sales background who understands the Cisco sales organization, appreciates the challenges facing account teams, and can quickly grasp high-level technology and product roadmap concepts. You’ll manage a direct report for programmatic support, drive new strategies for customer engagement, and ensure Cisco remains the partner of choice for our most strategic customers.
- Manage and continuously improve both the Global Customer Advisory Board (GCAB) and the Executive Sponsorship Program, ensuring world-class engagement for Cisco’s top customers and executive sponsors.
- Scale and grow the Executive Sponsorship Program as a strategic driver of customer loyalty and relationship development, growing its reach and effectiveness across the business.
- Establish and maintain credibility with Cisco’s CEO and ELT through effective program leadership and by delivering clear business value.
- Collaborate intensively with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Communications leaders to align engagement strategies, share insights, and drive joint business outcomes.
- Lead the planning and flawless execution of the annual in-person GCAB event, developing an agenda that showcases Cisco’s strategy and innovations.
- Guide and mentor a programmatic support resource to ensure seamless delivery and continuous improvement across all initiatives.
- Develop and execute a unified strategy for strategic customer engagement, integrating and optimizing existing initiatives and identifying new opportunities for impact.
Minimum Qualifications- 10+ years of experience in program management, executive relationship management, customer engagement, or sales roles.
- 5+ years of leadership experience coordinating global teams or high-impact programs.
- Proven track record managing executive sponsorship programs, customer advisory boards, or similar high-touch initiatives.
- Experience planning and driving high-profile executive events.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications- Sales experience and a strong understanding of Cisco Sales processes and account team challenges.
- Ability to quickly grasp high-level technology and product roadmap concepts; knowledge of Cisco’s product portfolio preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and effectively engage with C-level executives and senior leadership teams.
- Experience influencing and collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Product, Marketing, and Communications leaders.
- Outstanding communication, facilitation, and executive presence.
- MBA or advanced degree preferred.