Leader, Service Partner Management – EMEA, APAC & Subsea

Ciena; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global connectivity leader is seeking a Leader of Field Service Partner Ecosystem to manage a distributed team and field service partners across regions. The role requires a university degree and 15+ years in technology or telecommunications, focusing on operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in telecom services, team leadership, and contract negotiation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in global technology or telecommunications organizations.
• Proven experience in field operations and services management.
• Strong stakeholder management in diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage a globally distributed team and extensive field service network.
• Drive performance and cost efficiency through a scalable partner ecosystem.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through operational excellence.

Skills

Telecommunications knowledge

Field operations management

Contract negotiation

Team leadership

KPI management

Microsoft Excel

Education

University degree or equivalent certification

Tools

Project planning tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

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.

As the Leader of Field Service Partner Ecosystem, you will report directly to the Vice President, Customer Operations. You will be responsible for managing and developing a globally distributed team and an extensive network of field service partners across EMEA, APAC, and Subsea regions. You will play a critical role in driving performance, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction through a scalable partner ecosystem.

The Must Haves

• Education: University degree or equivalent certification in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in global technology or telecommunications organizations.

• Technical/Professional Skills:

  • In-depth knowledge of telecom services, including deployment, maintenance, and managed services.

  • Proven experience in field operations and services management.

  • Strong commercial and contractual negotiation skills.

  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and complex, global initiatives.

  • Proven track record of managing KPIs and exceeding performance targets.

  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project planning tools.

Assets

• Experience in business process optimization and change management.

• Strategic thinking with a history of financial and operational excellence.

• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to build collaborative relationships across cultures and geographies.

• Project management certification or demonstrated experience in managing large-scale initiatives.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, handling competing priorities with resilience.

• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and team engagement.

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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.