Product Line Management - Network Management Portfolio

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 134,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Product Manager for our Network Management Ethernet/IP/MPLS & PON portfolio. This role involves collaborating across various teams to define and track operational product lifecycles, ensuring alignment with CIENA’s business objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong technical and leadership skills, as well as experience in software product development, particularly in the networking domain. Join a company that values people, diversity, and innovation.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid sick leave and vacation time

Qualifications

• Product management and product introduction experience preferred.
• Experience in management/development of software products.
• Extensive knowledge of Ethernet/MPLS technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the lifecycle of CIENA’s Network Management software products.
• Track product management post-launch and manage end-of-life processes.
• Develop and articulate product strategies and associated value propositions.

Skills

Communication

Technical Knowledge

Teamwork

Flexibility

Leadership

Education

Technical degree (BS minimum)

MBA or MS preferred

Job description

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.

How You Will Contribute:

This role serves as a central point for new product development and introduction, incorporating key corporate initiatives into product development. The position involves interaction with marketing, sales, technical support, QA, manufacturing, and external customers to ensure products meet necessary features, cost parameters, manufacturability goals, reliability targets, and release schedules. Participation in various product development teams from conceptual meetings to manufacturing release is required. Incumbents may have backgrounds in engineering, marketing, and/or manufacturing. Due to the cross-functional nature of the role, incumbents may report into various functions such as development, marketing, or manufacturing. They work on complex technical projects or business issues requiring advanced technical knowledge or industry expertise. Goals are generally communicated in terms of solutions or project objectives, with the incumbent determining the means of achieving these goals.

Position Summary:

The Product Manager for the CIENA Network Management Ethernet/IP/MPLS & PON portfolio and software business is responsible for defining, scheduling, and tracking the lifecycle of operational product solutions and features. They work with various engineering and network element teams to meet CIENA product and business objectives, contributing to CIENA’s market leadership by maintaining top-tier Network Management products with unique advantages and value propositions.

The Must Haves:

- Manage the lifecycle of CIENA’s Network Management software products supporting Ethernet/IP/MPLS/PON network propositions.

- Ensure the provision of operational products that meet target customer needs and maximize financial return over the business planning timeframe.

- Define detailed product and solutions requirements for Ciena MCP solutions, focusing on Ethernet/IP/MPLS & PON.

- Develop knowledge of market dynamics, drivers of change, and competitors.

- Understand CIENA business objectives and overall portfolio direction to provide appropriate operational solutions.

- Prioritize investment areas to maximize CIENA value and drive business growth using market knowledge and business acumen.

- Develop and articulate product strategies and associated value propositions.

- Translate product strategies into actionable development requirements and release plans.

- Act as an MCP MPLS and TDM/CEM Product/solution subject matter expert and lead go-to-market efforts to convey benefits and positioning to Product Marketing and Sales organizations.

- Assist in developing business cases in support of Product Line growth strategies and plans, defining financial, operational, and strategic assumptions, goals, and objectives.

- Communicate and collaborate product strategy across all internal product, services, and sales functions.

- Track product management post-launch and manage end-of-life processes.

- Represent CIENA in front of customers, communicating product release content, value propositions, and differentiators while listening to their needs.

- General knowledge of Network Management architectures and protocols is essential.

- Superb communication and presentation skills.

- Flexibility to handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

- Ability to lead by example and communicate highly technical matters to non-technical individuals.

- Minimum 20% travel required for customer visits, development site meetings, cross-functional meetings, etc.

- Team-oriented and self-starter, highly motivated to succeed.

- Personable, interacting well with customers and co-workers.

- Ability to work on complex problems requiring evaluation of intangible variables.

- Recognized technical authority in specific disciplines.

- Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

- Technical degree (BS minimum), with an MBA or MS preferred.

- Product management and product introduction experience preferred.

- Experience in management/development of software products, telecom experience preferred.

- Extensive knowledge of Ethernet/MPLS technologies: LDP, L2VPN, VPLS, VPWS / Pseudowire, TDMoMPLS, PON.

The annual pay range for this position is $134,000 - $214,000 CAD

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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 anEqual 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.