Specialist Partner Management

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena:

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work.
• We believe an inclusive, diverse, and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.
• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs.
• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities.
• We know that financial security is important. We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program.
• We realize time away to recharge is important. We offer flexible paid time off!
• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance.

How You Will Contribute:

Reporting to the Senior Director Service Partner Management, as a Specialist Partner Management - Data Analysis and AI, you will play a crucial role in our organization by leveraging your expertise in data analysis, field service, and AI. You will be responsible for building data models and financial models of partner costs in different delivery models. Reporting to the Senior Director Service Partner Management, you will work closely with a team to lead and evolve our strategic and global service partner ecosystem, ensuring alignment with Ciena's services business requirements.

• Analyze Data and Drive Insights:
  • Utilize your expertise in data analysis to extract meaningful insights and drive data-based decision-making processes.
  • Develop and maintain performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and financial performance reports for our partner ecosystem.
  • Identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement based on data analysis.
• Partner Selection and Relationship Management:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to select strategic service partners, ensuring competitive pricing and dedication.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with service partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
  • Support contract negotiations and liaise with partners to drive strategic engagements while delivering cost reduction and rebate programs.
• Service Partner Development:
  • Assist in the development and execution of service partner agreements, working closely with Ciena Legal and contract specialists.
  • Support the onboarding process of new service partners, ensuring a smooth transition to "steady state" delivery.
  • Coordinate training and skills enablement programs for service partners to enhance their capabilities.
• Cost Modeling and Analysis:
  • Develop cost models and conduct cost analysis for different service delivery models.
  • Provide insights and recommendations on optimizing partner costs and improving financial performance.

What Does Ciena Expect of You?

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines.
• A customer first mentality – what’s important to the customer is also important to you.
• Agility – with an ability to flex between the strategic and tactical, you manage competing and ever-changing priorities and maintain a balanced and methodical approach to problem solving.

• Communication expertise – you possess the ability to tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus.
• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a team environment, are comfortable working independently, and know how to get things done in a virtual environment.
• Relationship builder – with a proven ability to influence at all levels, you’re able to quickly develop trusted connections and get work done through others.
• A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves:

• Minimum 1-3 years of relevant industry experience in project management, program management, customer service, commercial, and contract negotiation.
• Proven experience in building differential relationships with service partners.
• Understanding of telecom services delivery functions, including Engineering, Furnish, and Install (EF&I), maintenance, and managed services.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to deliver formal presentations.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis, with knowledge of AI tools being a plus.
• Familiarity with performance metrics development, data analysis, and crafting metrics reports.
• Experience in contract management and negotiation is a plus.
• Financial management skills regarding profit and loss (P&L) analysis are desirable.
• Excellent project management skills, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and stakeholders are informed of progress.
• Willing and able to travel 25%. Some international travel may be required.
• Data management skills

Good To Have:

• Knowledge of AI tools
• Knowledge in performance metrics data development and data analyses
• Knowledge in crafting metrics reports
• Experience and skills in contract management and contract negotiations is a plus
• Financial management skills regarding P&L is a plus

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.