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.

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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 the Specialist, Service Partner Management, you will be working as part of a team responsible for leading and evolving the Strategic and global Service Partner ecosystem to align with Ciena services business requirements as well as all aspect of contract management for the assigned partner ecosystem.

• Support the strategic framework for all facets of a sub-set of a Regional Partner ecosystem to include quarterly performance reviews, key performance indicators, financial performance of partners, training coordination, skills enablement, new business/ product integration.
• Support the selection of a sub-set of Regional Service Partners to achieve true strategic relationships while ensuring competitive pricing and dedication.
• Support all facets of Service Partner Development from initial engagement thru ramp up and service transition to “steady state” delivery.
• Preparation of Service Partner Agreements coordinated with Ciena Legal and contract specialists.
• Support for external liaison/negotiation with Service Partners to drive Strategic engagements while delivering Cost Reduction and rebate programs across the supported regions
• Coordinating with regional functions to ensure Service partners are fit for purpose and enabled to support current and future business needs related to Deployment, Engineering Dispatch, Managed and maintenance Services
• Support the development of cost modeling and cost analysis relative to different service delivery models

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:

• Relevant industry experience, at least 1-3 years, or equivalent in the areas of project management, program management, customer service, commercial and contract negotiation
• Experience with creating and building differential relationships with Service Partners
• Understanding of Telecom Services Delivery Functions (EF&I and Maintenance and managed Services)
• Comfortable working with multiple internal teams from individual contributors to senior executives
• Strong communication skills: written and formal presentations
• A confident decision maker.
• Project management skills in keeping projects on schedule and assuring all relevant parties are informed on progress or issues.
• Proven skills in desktop applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project planning software.
• 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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