Telecom Strategic Sourcing Manager - Military Veterans

Members of the Finance organization at select locations will generally be expected to follow a hybrid work model, which includes two days of in-office attendance each week, with limited exceptions.

Application window has been extended and expected to close on 03/14/2025. However, the job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applicants are received.





Meet the team

You will be part of a Global Procurement Team, working cross-functionally with IT, Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Security, Finance, Legal, and other Procurement/Supply Chain teams.

Y our Impact

We are seeking an innovative applicant with Telecommunications Category experience.

You are the relationship owner between Cisco and our strategic suppliers.

You will handle the telecommunications category suppliers by supporting the end-to-end procurement process, including RFX, supplier onboarding, supplier risk assessments, contract negotiation, PO/PR review and approval, payment verification, and ongoing contract compliance.

You'll work closely with requestors and stakeholders to negotiate commercial and contractual terms and conditions, SLAs and understand core contractual requirements in strategic telecom agreements that are used globally across various Cisco functions and businesses. When it comes to category strategies, you will develop and maintain a strategy that includes category elements of market/industry trends, benchmarking, spend analysis, preferred supplier categorization, supplier performance, and optimization.

In addition to these category management activities, you'll also get the opportunity to support critical initiatives and transformation projects in relation to process improvement, business transformation, and acquisition integration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, or Law; MCIPS (or equivalent) preferred
• 10+ years' validated experience with Telecom related sourcing in the areas of [Fixed and Wireless Services, covering Voice and Data], or other related categories.
• Understanding of Technology market trends within the Telecom arena.
• Understanding of the End-to-End Procurement process and sourcing fundamentals.
• Ability to demonstrate core foundational skills in the following areas: Cost accounting, data management, presentation, and effective communications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate possesses a combination of skills that includes category management, contract negotiation, supplier management, business insight, technical knowledge, and strong communication skills.
• You can formulate a Category/Commodity Strategy and optimally lead it to execution. You are highly collaborative and have a proven track record of influencing partners and team members at all levels.
• This position is an outstanding opportunity for someone who has worked closely with Telecom suppliers, can provide Telecom sourcing expertise in IT, Networks, Voice and Wireless sourcing, understands the various services and technologies available, and is excited to participate in varying levels of business operations
• Project management/multidiscipline experience preferred

Why Cisco

#WeAreCisco, where each person is unique, but we bring our talents to work as a team and make a difference powering an inclusive future for all.

We embrace digital, and help our customers implement change in their digital businesses. Some may think we're "old" (36 years strong) and only about hardware, but we're also a software company. And a security company. We even invented an intuitive network that adapts, predicts, learns and protects. No other company can do what we do - you can't put us in a box!

But "Digital Transformation" is an empty buzz phrase without a culture that allows for innovation, creativity, and yes, even failure (if you learn from it.)

Day to day, we focus on the give and take. We give our best, give our egos a break, and give of ourselves (because giving back is built into our DNA.) We take accountability, bold steps, and take difference to heart. Because without diversity of thought and a dedication to equality for all, there is no moving forward.

So, you have colorful hair? Don't care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That's cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us!

Procurement

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco's flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco's Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.