Strategy & Planning Manager

Cisco

. Craft Cisco’s CX partner strategy with a focus on Splunk Observability .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $155,500 - $226,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cloud-native observability, APM, and distributed systems monitoring, with a strong focus on OpenTelemetry standards and Kubernetes instrumentation. Proven ability to develop partner strategies and influence cross-functional leaders to drive ecosystem growth.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cloud-Native ObservabilityAPM ArchitectureOpenTelemetry StandardsKubernetes InstrumentationStrategic Decision-Making

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Enterprise ArchitecturePartner Solutions ArchitectureTechnical ConsultingDistributed Systems MonitoringMetrics/Logs/Traces CorrelationProject ManagementBusiness AnalysisComplex Problem-Solving

Soft Skills

LeadershipInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsInfluencing Skills

Tools & Technologies

Splunk ObservabilityKubernetesDockerOpenTelemetry Collector

Certifications & Qualifications

Splunk CertificationsCKACKADOTCAPCAAWS Certified Solutions ArchitectAzure Solutions ArchitectGoogle Cloud Certified Professional

Industry Keywords

Partner StrategyCustomer Success StrategiesMulti-Cloud MonitoringDeployment FrictionEcosystem Growth

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsDockerKubernetesSplunk

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Craft Cisco’s CX partner strategy with a focus on Splunk Observability
Collaborate with senior leaders to scale partner programs driving global growth
Act as the consultative technical authority on Observability Cloud and OpenTelemetry for Partner CX Practice Leads and Principal Architects
Whiteboard, review, and advise on complex multi-cloud monitoring architectures covering APM, infrastructure monitoring, log, digital experience, and synthetic monitoring
Guide partners on Kubernetes instrumentation standards, distributed tracing methodologies, and OpenTelemetry Collector data-ingestion pipelines
Provide consultative guidance to partner delivery teams to de-risk implementations, eliminate deployment friction, and accelerate customer time-to-value
Develop and execute partner-led customer success strategies
Drive strategic business-model projects
Influence cross-functional leaders to formulate long-term ecosystem-growth priorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems or equivalent experience
10+ years of experience across enterprise architecture, partner solutions architecture, technical consulting, or partner strategy
5+ years of experience focused on cloud-native observability, APM, or distributed systems monitoring
Deep architectural proficiency in APM, RUM, Metrics/Logs/Traces correlation, and OpenTelemetry standards
Experience with containerized environments, including Kubernetes and Docker
Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills to influence senior leaders across various geographies
Current Splunk certifications or consultant accreditations, or equivalent enterprise-platform certifications preferred
Current cloud-native and open-source accreditations such as CKA, CKAD, OTCA, or PCA preferred
Current hyperscaler certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, or Google Cloud Certified Professional preferred
Excellence in strategy development, project management, business analysis, and complex problem-solving preferred
Outstanding business judgment and ability to combine strategic decision-making with tactical execution preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, vesting following continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Performance-based incentive pay for sales-plan employees