Senior Director, Product Line Management, WaveLogic Technologies

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

How You Will Contribute:

This senior PLM position will be responsible for developing strong customer relationships with Systems Integrators - Customer Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Product Approval, and Supply Management Teams.  The position requires a PLM Leader with strong knowledge of coherent and direct detect technologies, DSP and high speed components markets, as wells ICP (hyperscalers) customers and their interconnect requirements.  The successful candidate will be highly motivated, possess strong interpersonal skills and presentation skills, and also will have an ability to handle multiple competing priorities and directions from the customers. There needs to be a concerted effort on winning new business. 

This position is focused on gaining market traction and mindshare for new Ciena Interconnects and WaveLogic products and then getting those products approved for use and deployment.  The target market is worldwide, with emphasis on top hyperscalers.

The Must Haves:

• Willingness to travel regularly to visit with customers.
• Ideally, the candidate will have existing customer relationships.
• Proven ability to quickly develop new customer relationships.
• Thorough understanding of customers buying decisions and procurement processes.
• Possess an advanced knowledge of the competitive landscape, being capable of providing succinct analysis and recommended attack-defend strategies.
• Preferably located on the West Coast of North America in proximity of key customers.
• Uncover new opportunities and applications existing and future product portfolio.
• Engage in sales activities requiring product/solution presentations at all levels of engineering and management.
• Collaborate frequently with Ciena WaveLogic Technologies Product Management and R&D teams to understand and work to align the organization’s optical Plan of Record to the needs of the customers.
• In-depth knowledge coherent modems and high speed interconnects. 
• Strong understanding of ICP (hyperscalers) customer sales cycle and processes and ability to think strategically about new emerging technology business opportunities.
• Solid Optical technology background is a requirement.
• Proven Writing Skills: business plans, proposals, value propositions, marketing collateral and business letters.  Writing is succinct and properly structured, providing a well-thought-out argument with associated proof points.
• Proven Verbal Skills: succinct and to the point in various formats, including one-on-one, small group and public speaking events.  Experience presenting to internal and external senior management.
• Proven knowledge regarding component, module, and networking technology as appropriate for targeted market.
• Proven knowledge regarding customer’s needs, requirements, “pinch points”, etc. as appropriate for targeted market.
• High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, and attention to detail; demonstrates a high degree of initiative.
• Strong proven management and leadership skills.
• Functional knowledge across operations, marketing, pre-sales, product management and pricing.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, “unstructured”, rapidly changing environment with a hands-on mentality toward assigned tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to interact and influence people within different areas of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) and 10 years in the Telecom / Component industry with demonstrated knowledge supporting optical transmission hardware and software and/or related optoelectronic component solutions.  A knowledge of coherent communication technology is essential.
• Established relationships with Global, Tier 1/2 Systems Integrators, and developing knowledge of their specific needs and concerns.

The annual pay range for this position in California is $211,800 - $338,300 USD

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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.

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