Account Management Leader

Ciena Corporation; Mumbai; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a senior sales-focused professional based in Mumbai, India, to drive business growth across strategic telecom service provider accounts. The role may be IC or people-leading, reporting to the General Manager, India Sales, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align customer priorities with Ciena's objectives.

The right candidate will bring 12–18 years in telecom sales or related fields, strong relationship-building skills, and a track record of managing complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, or business discipline.
• 12–18 years in telecommunications sales, systems engineering, or product management.
• Proven track record managing customer relationships and driving growth in telecom/tech markets.
• Experience with telecom technologies including optical, IP/data networking.
• Experience supporting commercial negotiations, opportunity management, and account planning.
• Strong stakeholder management in a matrix organization.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth across strategic telecommunications service provider accounts.
• Develop and execute account plans aligned with customer priorities and Ciena business objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and advance sales opportunities through the full sales cycle.
• Build and maintain relationships with customer stakeholders across technical, operational, and commercial functions.
• Contribute to RFP, RFI, quotation, and proposal activities.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Product Line Management, Marketing, Services, and Sales Operations teams to develop customer solutions.
• Communicate customer requirements, market trends, and competitive insights to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Telecommunications sales

Account management

Stakeholder management

RFP/RFI experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical/Engineering/Business

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 role drives business growth across strategic telecommunications service provider accounts in India through customer engagement, opportunity development, and account strategy execution. Based in Mumbai and reporting to the General Manager, India Sales, the position collaborates with customers and cross-functional teams to align business objectives and customer priorities. The role may be structured as either an individual contributor or a people leadership position depending on the experience of the successful candidate.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive revenue growth across strategic telecommunications service provider accounts.
• Develop and execute account plans aligned with customer priorities and Ciena business objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and advance sales opportunities through the full sales cycle.
• Build and maintain relationships with customer stakeholders across technical, operational, and commercial functions.
• Contribute to RFP, RFI, quotation, and proposal activities.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Product Line Management, Marketing, Services, and Sales Operations teams to develop customer solutions.
• Communicate customer requirements, market trends, and competitive insights to internal stakeholders.

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a Technical, Engineering, or Business-related discipline.
• Experience: 12-18 years of experience in telecommunications sales, systems engineering, product management, or a combination of these areas.
• Demonstrated success managing customer relationships and driving business growth within telecommunications or technology markets.
• Application of telecom technologies, including optical networking, IP/data networking, and service provider environments.
• Experience supporting commercial negotiations, opportunity management, and account planning.
• Stakeholder management within a matrix organization.
• Communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

Nice to haves:

• Experience leading teams, projects, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Existing relationships within Indian telecommunications service providers.
• Background in solution-selling methodologies and complex sales cycles.
• Analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Willingness to travel as required.

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.