Program Manager/ Sr. Purchasing Agent

Company: Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco companyLocation: Atlanta, GA 30044Status: Full Time, EmployeeJob Category: Project/Program ManagementRelevant Work Experience: 7+ to 10 YearsCareer Level: Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff)Education Level: Bachelor's Degree Company Name: Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company Scientific Atlanta, which became a Cisco company on February 24, 2006, is a $1.9 billion company changing the way consumers interact with their televisions, and is a leading supplier of transmission networks for broadband access to the home, set-tops, cable modems and digital interactive subscriber systems for video, high speed Internet, voice over IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support. Scientific Atlanta is applying a half-century of innovations to today's convergence of the PC and the TV and helping to extend multimedia broadband applications to new platforms via interactive broadband networks, set-tops and cable modems.Program Manager/ Sr. Purchasing Agent Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. Since 1984, Cisco has led in the innovation of IP-based networking technologies, including routing, switching, security, TelePresence, unified communications, video, and wireless. The company’s responsible business practices help ensure accountability, business sustainability, and environmentally conscious operations and products. The Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group is a leading supplier of transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital set-tops, data and voice cable modems, and digital interactive subscriber systems for video, high-speed Internet and voice over IP (VoIP) networks, systems integration expertise, and worldwide customer service and support. The SPVTG, created following the acquisition of Scientific Atlanta by Cisco, continues to lead the video content delivery initiatives of the company, helping operators make the transition from video, voice, and data service providers to organizations that deliver entertainment, communications, and information experiences designed to change the way people work, live, play, and learn.   We are currently hiring in Lawrenceville, GA for the following: Program Manager/ Sr. Purchasing Agent Job Description: Support the introduction of new products in development and their associated purchased components on a worldwide basis. Areas of concentration include:Program Management   Cost Avoidance MRP Fundamentals BOM Costing Material Acquisition New Component Technologies Supply Chain Execution Product Transfers Inventory Management   Supplier Negotiations Financial Processes   Database Management Years of Industry Experience Required: 8+ years Minimum Required Education: BSEE, BSME, BA Business Management or related fieldSkills Required/Minimum years of experience: 8+ years of SAP or similar ERP software package 3+ years of Business Objects or other data warehouse software 8+ years of MS Office (advanced Excel user / Access a plus)Preferred experience/education: MBA or other advanced degree a plus New product introduction and program management APICS / CPIM certifications a plus Candidate will also be measured on the following key objectives: Working within cross-functional development teams, both local and at remote R&D sites, to support seamless production release while meeting business unit product cost goals. Contributing directly to group annualized cost savings on new or existing components, through negotiations and value engineering, totaling $5M of $100M departmental target. Participating in and managing process improvements, especially in the areas of IT systems, design technologies, and manufacturing enhancements. Working within cross-functional operations teams to consolidate worldwide production. Component part set-up in a timely fashion is critical. Candidate should possess the following interpersonal skills: Ability to interface with diverse groups within Business Unit R&D, Operations, Worldwide Procurement, and with external suppliers. Ability to build a positive working relationship throughout Procurement and the Business Unit. Proactive in resolving key issues before they have a major impact on the company’s P&L. Ability to work independently with little supervision and take direction from many levels of management within Cisco. Availability to travel, particularly on product development support. Professional, positive attitude is a must. Level Characteristics:Communication: The position requires frequent and close communication with design groups and business unit management. The position also requires constant communication with all other relevant internal functional organizations such as Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Accounting, Customer Service, Legal, Quality, and Manufacturing as well as with external suppliers. The individual must be versatile in dealing with these diverse groups and must be able to navigate all levels of internal and external organizations.Independent Judgment: This individual must understand Cisco’s goals, processes, systems, and organization and utilize this knowledge to take initiative and make independent decisions. This individual uses critical thinking to analyze and develop sound solutions which affect business operations during nights, weekends, or periods of travel without immediate outside guidance. This individual will face competing or conflicting goals among different organizations or from outside suppliers and must be able to manage these conflicts to ensure that Cisco’s goals are met within corporate guidelines and procedures.Analysis/ Problem Solving: The position will require a significant application of analytical and problem solving skills. The individual will often be called upon to implement revised prototype build plans, negotiate delivery schedules, and coordinate design efforts to accommodate new market constraints and opportunities. The individual will be regularly involved in design group activities and must be able to develop and implement plans related to satisfying these internal customers. The individual must be able to develop sound analysis and effective decision making during stressful moments. The individual should have enough confidence in their analysis to present at highest levels of the organization.Impact: The position has significant impact on Procurement, the Business Units whose products are affected, and Cisco as a whole. The product development programs managed by this individual and team will be significant relative to the overall success of Cisco. The person in this position possesses the program management skills to be a positive contribution to the overall development team. This person must have the knowledge and breadth of experience to deal with diverse groups and personalities to ensure that these key relationships support Cisco’s corporate goals and objectives as well as individual product and market strategies. Work related travel: 10% Connect with Cisco and receive a competitive salary and exceptional benefits. For consideration, apply online at, Job ID# 3547:  http://www.scientificatlanta.com/contactus/employment.htm We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace, M/F/D/V. Visit our website at:www.scientificatlanta.com     Apply Online