Project Specialist - Procurement & Inventory Management, Operations , Analytics-4+yrs Apply (https://jobs.cisco.com/jobs/Login?projectId=1443753) + Location:Bangalore, India + Alternate LocationPenang + Area of InterestSupply Chain + Job TypeProfessional + Technology Interest*None + Job Id1443753 **Business Entity** This role is part of **Cisco Supply Chain** , under **Global Manufacturing Operations** , within the **Central Manufacturing Operations - Procurement & Hub Operations** team. Our team is responsible for enabling **Cisco Material Purchasing** and managing **Inbound Models** across the globe. We specialize in managing **inbound component hubs** globally to ensure **supply continuity** for Cisco's manufacturing sites (PCBA and DF sites) while optimizing **hub inventory** and managing inventory-driven costs. **We work collaboratively with:** + **Network Design & Management** and **Logistics** teams to develop and maintain hub strategies and footprints. + **Service 14** teams on inventory policies. + **Service 15** teams to drive system and process enhancements for hub management. **Your Impact** As a **Procurement & Inventory Operations Specialist** , you will play a key role in managing **Cisco Strategic Hubs** to ensure **supply continuity** for Cisco's global manufacturing operations. You will focus on **component procurement** , **inventory management** , and driving efficiency in Cisco's hub operations. **In this role, you will:** + **Enable Procurement Operations:** Manage the end-to-end buying process, from validating purchase requests to creating purchase orders and managing open POs. + **Optimize Inventory Levels:** Perform inventory analysis to manage aging and excess inventory, reconcile discrepancies, and support value recovery processes. + **Collaborate Across Teams:** Partner with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and internal teams to streamline operations, resolve issues, and ensure seamless execution. + **Drive System and Process Enhancements:** Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency and scalability. **Key Responsibilities** **Procurement Operations (Oracle):** + Validate **buy requests** in accordance with Cisco's policy guidelines. + Support new **buy alignment** and **approval processes** . + Set up **master data** and enable **CPNs (Cisco Part Numbers)** for procurement. + Create **Purchase Orders (POs)** and manage open POs, ensuring timely updates and tracking. + Resolve **EDI/B2B failure messages** and troubleshoot system issues with IT teams. + Collaborate with suppliers and **Contract Manufacturers (CMs)** to manage, track, and expedite shipments. + Manage **Return to Vendor (RTV)** processes, including returning defective parts and arranging replacements or credits. + Address **accounts payable (AP) issues** with Cisco Finance and suppliers. + Manage **Sales Orders** and outbound shipments from hubs to CMs. **Inventory Management:** + Conduct **inventory analysis** to mitigate risks associated with aging and excess inventory. + Support **scrap and value recovery processes** to optimize inventory usage. + Reconcile inventory discrepancies and ensure data accuracy through regular audits. + Generate and manage **reports and dashboards** to track inventory performance and provide actionable insights. **System & Process Enhancements:** + Collaborate with internal teams (Supply Chain, Finance, IT) and external partners (Suppliers, CMs, Hub Partners) to enhance **systems and processes** for hub management. + Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability in Cisco's **hub operations** . **Who You'll Work With** You will collaborate with: + **Internal Teams:** Cisco **Supply Chain** , **Finance** , **IT** , and other cross-functional teams. + **External Partners:** Component suppliers, Contract Manufacturers (CMs), and Hub Partners to ensure smooth operations and supply continuity. **Minimum Qualifications** You bring a strong foundation in **procurement** and **inventory operations** , with proven experience in managing supply chain processes and collaborating with multiple stakeholders. + **Education:** + Bachelor's degree in **Engineering** or a related field; coursework in **Operations** or **Supply Chain Management** is a plus. + **Experience:** + **3-5 years** of experience in **Supply Chain** , preferably in the **technology industry** . + Hands-on experience in **procurement** , **materials management** , and supplier/customer management. + **Technical Skills:** + Working knowledge of **Oracle** or other planning/ERP systems. + Strong **problem-solving** and **analytical skills** to interpret data and drive actionable insights. + Proficiency in generating and interpreting **MIS and inventory reports** . + **Soft Skills:** + Excellent **communication** and **collaboration skills** to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. + Organized, responsive, and committed to delivering timely results. **Preferred Qualifications** Your additional skills and experiences make you a standout candidate: + Familiarity with **hub operations** and **inbound models** . + Experience with **inventory optimization** and **cost management strategies** . + Ability to troubleshoot and resolve **system/process issues** in a dynamic environment. + A **self-starter** who thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional environments with a focus on continuous improvement. **Location** + **Preferred Location:** Bangalore, India. + Candidates must be flexible to work extended hours to support teams in **Asia** and **US** . + **Alternate Location:** Penang, Malaysia. At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Simply put – we power the future. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. **Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:** When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process. U.S. employees haveaccess (https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/careers/we-are-cisco/benefits-and-perks.html) to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings. Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community. Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows: .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota; 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%; 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation. For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid. Cisco is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Cisco will consider for employment, on a case by case basis, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.