Optical Systems Product Line Manager

Ciena; Canada; Remote; CAD 114,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in Canada is seeking an Optical Systems Product Line Manager. This role involves working with a cross-functional team to manage the product lifecycle, driving market strategies, and ensuring alignment with customer needs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in optical communications, relevant industry experience, and excellent communication skills. A comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation are offered.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(K) & DCPP with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience with a proven track record.
• Experience in product introduction and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Drive market pricing strategies and product cost reduction.
• Work with sales and marketing to ensure product success.
• Manage product roadmap and lifecycle from concept to retirement.

Skills

Optical fiber communications

Product management

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor or Master of Electrical Engineering

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Job description

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.

This is a product manager position in the Optical Systems PLM team.

As an Optical Systems Product Line Manager, you will work closely with a cross‑functional team to support the definition, introduction, and life‑cycle management of Ciena’s industry‑leading Optical System products.

This is an individual contributor position reporting into the Ciena’s Product Line Management organization and offers the opportunity to influence Optical Systems business across a broad set of customers (GCNs, SPs, Enterprises, etc.).

How You Will Contribute

• Work with customers and account teams to ensure product / portfolio alignment to market demands
• Work with broader PLM leadership team to ensure a complete cross portfolio evolution strategy is in place to ensure Ciena meets its corporate goals
• Work with R&D, supply chain and procurement to optimize product / solution costs
• Work with R&D to ensure appropriate feature prioritization / roll out
• Work with sales and customers to ensure appropriate pricing
• Work with Marketing team to ensure that our competitive differentiation is clearly articulated and understood by sales, customers and the financial community

Role

• Articulate the features and value proposition of products to Sales team and customers
• Support sales activities through active involvement in lead customer engagements and key bid activities
• Drive market pricing strategies and product cost reduction programs to balance market share growth with long‑term portfolio profitability
• Work closely with Sale team and Supply Chain to drive revenue plan and volume forecast
• Translate portfolio strategy into actionable product requirements and associated release plans.
• Drive cross functional team consisting of Sales, Marketing and R&D to establish a portfolio strategy for accelerated growth in the market by systematically analyzing customer needs, product requirements and associated market opportunities
• Define, develop, drive product roadmap and manage R&D development priorities for maximizing market share and revenue growth
• Drive complete lifecycle management of products from concept through to product retirement

The Must Haves

• Bachelor or Master of Electrical Engineering degree, with specialization in fiber optics, telecommunications, networking or communications system – or equivalent experience is mandatory
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is desired but not mandatory
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience with successful and progressive track record of accomplishment, leadership and increasing responsibility

Assets

• Strong product background in optical fiber communications
• Proven experience of driving new product introduction into customer accounts
• Proven experience of growing a product business in a competitive environment
• Keen business sense and general management experience to drive lifecycle management of complex products and solutions from concept through retirement with clear focus on strategic and operational goals and objectives
• Extraordinary communications and presentation skills facing customers and internal stakeholders
• Strong program and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail in orchestrating efforts across multiple functional disciplines while overseeing and coordinating all constituent elements of product line profit and loss drivers
• Seasoned interpersonal skills with a proven ability to achieve results through alignment of cross‑functional and multi‑divisional activities in a highly collaborative, team‑oriented, and fast‑paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with customers and other functional organizations
• 25% Travel Required

The annual pay range for this position is $114,100 - $182,300 CAD.

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.