Accelerated Apprenticeship Pre-Grad Program: Project Management/ High Touch Operations

Job Description

Program Start Date: September 2025

Location: Riyadh, KSA

Duration: 12 months

About Cisco

AI is a phenomenon driving new opportunities for Cisco, and it's redefining our customers' businesses worldwide. We are pioneers and have been since the early days of connectivity. Today, we are forming teams that are expanding our technology solutions in mobile, cloud, security, IT, and big data spaces, including software and consulting services. As Cisco delivers the network that powers the Internet, we are connecting the unconnected. Imagine creating unprecedented disruption. Your groundbreaking ideas will alter everything from retail, healthcare, and entertainment to public and private sectors, and far beyond. Collaborate with like-minded innovators in a lively and flexible culture that has earned Cisco global recognition as a Great Place to Work. With roughly 10 billion connected things in the world now and over 50 billion estimated in the future, your career has exponential possibilities at Cisco.

So, if your desire to work in innovative technology is matched by your strive to make a difference, then the Project Management Apprenticeship is the right challenge for you.

Meet The Team:

The Customer Experience (CX) team enhances project execution and operational excellence by delivering unparalleled support to drive project success, operational efficiency, and strategic growth for our organization and stakeholders. This apprenticeship is an initiative committed to nurturing the next generation of project management and High Touch Operations Management (HTOM) professionals.

Our Project Management Support Specialists and High Touch Operations Analysts are crucial components of the wider CX team. They provide essential services that ensure seamless project delivery and operational success for our customers. We blend advanced project management methodologies, technical expertise, and exceptional organizational skills to foster value, innovation, and efficiency across our portfolio.

What You Will Do:

Over the course of 12 months, you'll have the chance to work with various customers and experts within our company; both technical and non-technical. By the end of the program, you'll possess expertise in project management or high-touch operations to embark on a successful career in the technology world.

What to Expect:

• Lead innovative projects, driving the adoption of cutting-edge technology to achieve business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions for national and international clients, addressing complex business challenges.
• Partner with different stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of Cisco solutions.
• Support High Touch Technical Care programs by ensuring premium service delivery to mission-critical customers.
• Act as a liaison between the customer and Cisco post-sales support teams, coordinating root cause analysis and operational issue resolution.
• Leverage data analysis and telemetry insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize project outcomes.
• Oversee and ensure the successful execution of customer projects, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Participate in operational reviews such as Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), delivering insights, articulating value, and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Build and maintain a strong professional network by engaging with Cisco employees and industry leaders globally.
• Contribute to corporate social responsibility initiatives, including fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy efforts.
• Benefit from a comprehensive support structure, including mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders, to drive personal and professional growth.

Your Role:

As an apprentice, you will embark on a structured learning journey designed to develop your project management or operational management skills while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment. With guidance from your Apprentice Manager and mentors, you will align your passion and abilities with Cisco's customer experience community, setting the foundation for a successful career. Here's what to expect:

• Gain firsthand exposure by shadowing experienced technology and project management/HTOM professionals. Observe and understand how Cisco's cutting-edge technologies are implemented to solve real-world business challenges. This will allow you to develop a holistic understanding of Cisco's ecosystem and how various teams collaborate to deliver impactful solutions.
• Immerse yourself in a broad range of Cisco technologies and operational processes, learning how they integrate with client projects to meet business goals and maximize operational efficiency.
• Build a strong foundation in key project management concepts, including planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, time management, and quality assurance, or operations management principles like escalation handling, incident analysis, and operational efficiency. Through guided tasks and exposure to live projects, you will learn how these knowledge areas are applied to ensure successful project delivery.
• Work alongside experienced project managers or HTOMs and teams who will support your growth every step of the way. You'll participate in project meetings, assist in project planning, and gain practical experience in managing tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with Cisco employees and clients from all over the world, gaining exposure to diverse cultures, markets, and working styles. This global interaction will enhance your communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills while broadening your professional network.
• Receive personalized mentorship from experienced professionals who will help you identify your strengths, refine your skills, and provide career guidance. Your Apprentice Manager will work closely with you to create a tailored development plan to help you achieve your goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Final-year students or recent graduates with a degree in Business, Management, or a related Technical field.
• Strong proficiency in tools and technologies such as Microsoft Office Suite and basic data analysis software.
• Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and verbal.
• Highly proactive, curious, and enthusiastic about engaging with customers and delivering value.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in team settings.
• Open to Saudi nationals only .

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship or work experience in a related field.
• Proficiency in specialized PM tools or technologies.
• CAPM, ITIL, or other PM/Operations certifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and propose solutions.
• Experience in project management, operations management, or participation in academic projects showcasing organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Basic understanding of customer support environments or business process optimization is a plus.