Global Program Manager

Location: Hybrid schedule, in office requirement will fluctuate based on projects. Candidates must be able to commute to major Cisco office in Raleigh, NC; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; San Jose, CA; NYC or other client office

Travel: approximately 10%

Role Overview:

The Global Program Manager supports the Project Management Office (PMO) Leader in the execution, governance, and delivery of large-scale, complex programs across a global client account. This role is responsible for translating strategic direction into structured, executable program plans and ensuring disciplined delivery through established program management methodologies.

The successful candidate will bring advanced program management capabilities, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, global environment.

Day-to-day:

Global Program Governance:

• Implement standardized methodologies, tools, and governance frameworks
• Ensure compliance with organizational program management standards and contribute to continuous improvement
• Maintain program documentation and knowledge management systems

Program Planning & Execution:

• Support delivery of key account initiatives as determined and agreed with the Account Leadership Team and client partner
• Ensure programs align with organizational strategic objectives and deliver measurable business outcomes
• Coordinate cross-functional program teams, including dedicated SMEs and BI specialists, and manage resource allocation across concurrent initiatives

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and maintain program-level metrics, dashboards, and reporting to track progress, outcomes, and risks
• Apply lessons learned and performance insights to improve current and future initiatives

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with senior leaders, business unit heads, and regional teams to understand priorities and constraints
• Facilitate steering meetings, working sessions, and stakeholder reviews as needed

Risk & Change Management:

• Coordinate cross-functional program teams, including dedicated SMEs and BI specialists, and manage resource allocation across concurrent initiatives
• Develop contingency plans and escalation procedures with leadership
• Support change activities to promote adoption and minimize disruption

Communication & Reporting:

• Lead program reviews, status reporting, and decision-making forums, accommodating global time zones and regional requirements
• Manage expectations and maintain clear, consistent communication across global teams and time zones
• Prepare executive-ready presentations and materials outlining program status, business impacts, and recommendations
• Ensure timely completion of required PMO and corporate reporting, including quarterly status updates

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 7+ years of program management experience delivering large-scale, complex initiatives
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, stakeholders, and dependencies in a global, matrixed environment; able to influence without authority and drive programs to completion independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with keen attention to detail
• Adaptable and flexible in response to changing priorities and deadlines
• Track record of building trusted partnerships and delivering results across diverse stakeholders
• Experience with program management tools (i.e. Asana)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Program or Project Management certification (PMP, PgMP, MSP, or equivalent)
• Experience working within a PMO or enterprise delivery environment