Category Lead

Ciena; Quebec; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision plans

401(k) / DCPP with company match

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, is seeking a Category Lead to drive strategic sourcing across indirect spend. You will develop category strategies, manage supplier performance, and lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives to deliver cost savings and compliance.

You will collaborate with engineering and business teams, use procurement systems, and present performance metrics to leadership. This is a senior role requiring strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in SCM, engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing.
• 3+ years in category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Experience with procurement software, Excel, PowerPoint, and DocuSign.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned indirect spend categories.
• Conduct market analysis and spend analysis to identify savings.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI/RFP, vendor evaluation, and negotiation.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders to align procurement needs.
• Manage supplier performance and contract compliance.
• Present category performance and savings to leadership.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Cost optimization

RFI/RFP processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

Procurement software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

DocuSign

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

The Category Lead plays a key role in developing and executing global strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories. The position contributes to cost optimization, supplier performance, and compliance while aligning procurement strategies with business objectives. Success in this role drives operational efficiency, stakeholder value, and continuous improvement across the procurement function.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned indirect spend categories, including technical and engineering teams, Capex, and MRO.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier identification, and spend analysis to identify cost savings and process improvement opportunities.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFI/RFP development, vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and supplier selection.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with business requirements.
• Manage supplier performance, contract compliance, and supplier issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing procurement best practices and technology solutions.
• Develop and present category performance, savings, and key metric reporting to leadership.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing roles.
• Experience: 3+ years in category management.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Strong negotiation skills and application of procurement contract management.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Utilization of procurement software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and legal and commercial procurement contract processes, including DocuSign.

Nice to haves:

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Presentation skills supporting stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Pay Range:

The salary range for this role in Ottawa is: $84, 700 - $135, 300 CAD

#LI-WH1

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.
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.