Senior Director, Product Line Management, Wavelogic Technologies in San jose

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.

The Opportunity / What we’re looking for:

We believe in the power of people. We are a network strategy and technology company that is motivated by making a difference in people’s lives – their productivity, their creativity, their health and comfort. That’s why our engineers design, implement, ans sell technologies that allow people to do great things.

WaveLogic Technologies is a recently formed team within Ciena. Our charter is to develop and productize electro-optic components and modules for sale to global systems integrator customers to be incorporated in their interconnect products for sale to telecom, data network and AI clusters customers.

The role / What you will do at Ciena:

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.

DIMENSION & SCOPE:

Attributes

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.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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 Optical Microsystems 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.

Required Skills

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.

Desired Characteristics

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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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.

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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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.

Senior Director, Product Line Management, Wavelogic Technologies

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