AI Business Architect

As an AI Business Architect in COEC at Cisco, you will shape how AI transforms Cisco's Commerce Operations by translating business needs into clear, actionable AI solution designs.

You will lead the ideation, requirements definition, and readiness assessment for AI initiatives , evaluating data maturity, API readiness, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) compatibility to ensure solutions are built on a solid foundation.

Working closely with business partners, multi-functional teams, and AI engineering leads, you will guide solutions from initial discovery through production launch and ongoing adoption.

Your work will reduce unnecessary complexity, accelerate delivery, and ensure AI investments translate into measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Lead discovery sessions, manage communication across multi-functional teams, and align solutions from ideation through production launch and ongoing adoption.
• Create detailed technical specifications for AI projects, translating business objectives into functional requirements.
• Evaluate data maturity, API readiness, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) compatibility to determine whether existing systems are prepared for AI integration.
• Assess the viability of AI solutions against business goals through rigorous fitment analysis, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• Map AS-IS and TO-BE Quote-to-Cash (Q2C), commerce, and order-processing workflows for software, hardware, and services; identify gaps and opportunities, and design process flows.
• Independently extract and analyze data from Oracle, Snowflake, and multiple reporting sources; perform data modeling to inform solution recommendations and next steps.
• Prepare and present clear, concise status updates and strategic roadmaps to leadership, covering progress, risks, and ROI.
• Partner closely with AI engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle to ensure technical implementation stays true to the architectural vision.
• Understand REST/API fundamentals and integration patterns across multiple applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors' degree with 6+ years of experience in solution architecture, enterprise systems design, or AI-enabled business process consulting.
• Applied experience building requirements and assessing data quality/readiness for AI models.
• Experience in API management and a practical understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• Experience leading and managing multi-functional projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with UI, backend systems, and API integrations, using a programming language like Python.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect AI capabilities to tangible business outcomes.
• Experience with Cisco Commerce systems and processes.
• In-depth knowledge of Quote-to-Cash (Q2C) lifecycles, workflows, and associated data structures.
• Experience in enterprise data strategy and automation frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for executive partners.
• Willingness to adopt new AI skills, work in unfamiliar areas, and maintain a learn-and-grow attitude.

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 (10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees)
• Flexible vacation time off program
• Sick time off
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer