Commercial Manager, Blue Planet Division

Ciena; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Manager for its Blue Planet Software Division. This pivotal role involves supporting the EMEA sales leadership team in deal structuring, negotiation, and governance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in finance and business, with exceptional communication and negotiation skills. This dynamic position requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment, where you'll collaborate with various internal departments to ensure compliance and drive profitable pricing strategies. Join a company that prioritizes a people-first culture and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the technology sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business experience with a focus on finance/accounting.
• Strong contract negotiation skills in the telecom industry.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for Blue Planet policies.
• Collaborate with sales to drive pricing strategies and deal closure.

Skills

Business partnership aptitude

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Contract negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Spanish speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or business

Tools

MS Office Suite

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.

The Commercial Manager, Blue Planet Software Division, will be a dedicated business resource for the Blue Planet team. This role will be a key resource for the EMEA sales leadership team helping to facilitate deal structuring, negotiation, governance, and deal closure. They will be the main support resource for director and above level sales teams and must maintain flexibility in a consistently changing environment.

General Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the regional subject matter expert for Blue Planet policies and standard operational processes
2. Respond to RFPs and supplier questionnaires for new and existing customers
3. Partner with various internal departments to ensure compliance with contractual terms
4. Develop a general understanding of the Blue Planet technologies, solutions, product and strategies
5. Understand internal governance/processes and ensure required approvals are obtained
6. Interface with accounting and revenue recognition teams to understand concerns for deal constructs and revenue forecasting

1. Partner with sales to drive profitable pricing strategies and accuracy of deal structure to assist in meeting company financial metrics
2. Collaborate closely with sales senior leadership to facilitate creative solutions on commercial and/or pricing strategies to drive deal closure
3. Review contracts for commercial/financial implications and provide redlines to Legal and senior leadership
4. Support customer negotiations on contractual documents and/or pricing as needed
5. Profile quarterly and annual deal financials following current accounting principles
6. Request and obtain approvals from executive and senior leadership based on governance requirements

1. Adapt quickly to changes in strategies and other business policies/processes

Qualifications:

1. 5+ years of business experience, finance/accounting and contractual experience strongly preferred
2. Bachelor’s degree required, with a concentration in finance, business, or another applicable major preferred
3. Excellent business partnership aptitude including interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
4. High attention to detail
5. Contract negotiation skills and experience in the telecom industry strongly preferred
6. Spanish speaking desired
7. Strong MS Office Suite skills

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Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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