Description
Partner Sourcing Managers are integral to Cisco's Supply Chain Operations, focusing on strategic sourcing and robust partner management to support Cisco's product portfolio.
As a Partner Sourcing Manager, you will be instrumental in optimising Cisco's supply chain by developing and leading strategic relationships with key manufacturing partners.
Role & Responsibilities:
- Act as a key business partner to Global Manufacturing Operations, Product Operations, and various Business Units, driving sourcing strategy and new business awards.
- Develop, nurture, and manage strategic relationships with EMS, OEM, and ODM partners, ensuring tight-knit collaboration and performance alignment.
- Deliver comprehensive supply chain partner solutions for both new and sustaining Cisco Product Segments, ensuring alignment with technology, product, and supply chain roadmaps.
- Drive continuous improvement of the overall Sourcing Strategy, ensuring Cisco remains at the forefront of supply chain solutions in the industry.
- Build and nurture positive relationships with leadership teams across multiple functions, including Business Unit, Product Operations, Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and Global Supply Management.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and collaboration skills, developing timely solutions to complex supply chain challenges in high-pressure environments to resolve critical business problems.
- Develop and execute robust sourcing strategies, cultivate strong partner relationships, and drive the most beneficial solutions for Cisco.
- Lead complex negotiations with partners, focusing on cost reduction, contract terms, and performance metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Sourcing processes and strategy.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in sourcing, commodity management, partner management, and supply chain management.
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Strong foundational knowledge of sourcing practices and advanced negotiation strategies.
- Validated knowledge of the EMS, OEM, and ODM supply base industry.
- Understanding of supply chain management requirements across all phases of the product development and manufacturing process cycle.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to proactively leverage Artificial Intelligence to accelerate sourcing processes and achieve operational scalability.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree preferred.
- Equally adept at influencing engineering and New Product Introduction teams, as well as senior management.
- Capable of influencing internal decision-makers and external partners to align with strategies and objectives that benefit the entire organisation.
- Effective team-building skills, fostering collaboration between different functional areas.
- Significant and diverse management experience preferred.
- Ability to develop collaborative solutions leveraging both business acumen and technical expertise.
- Demonstrated record of sound decision-making on complex programs, effective conflict resolution, maintaining deadlines, and exhibiting leadership across organisations.
- Proven team leadership and people development skills are highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Cisco product and solutions platforms is highly desirable.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we're revolutionising how data and infrastructure connect and protect organisations in the AI era – and beyond.
Benefits:
- 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.
- Paid time away.
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer.