Category Lead, Capital Equipment (CAPEX)

Ciena; United States; Ibrido; USD 115.000 - 184.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

ESPP

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Descrizione del lavoro

Ciena is seeking a strategic Category Prime for Capital Equipment to lead global category management, sourcing, and supplier relationship management for capital investments. The role partners with Engineering, Global Operations, Manufacturing, Product Development, and Finance to secure high-performance, cost-effective assets such as test equipment, automation, and lab infrastructure.

The position requires developing multi-year category strategies, leading complex negotiations, optimizing total

Competenze

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and negotiations.
• Implement SRM practices with performance scorecards and executive engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing.

Mansioni

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and negotiations.
• Implement SRM practices with performance scorecards and executive engagement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and optimize supplier performance.
• Monitor capital expenditures and align with budgets and governance.

Conoscenze

Strategic Category Management

Sourcing Leadership

SRM

Cross-Functional Leadership

Data-Driven Decision Making

Formazione

MBA or Master's degree

Strumenti

BI tools

E-sourcing platforms

Descrizione del lavoro

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

How You Will Contribute

Ciena is seeking a strategic, results-driven Category Prime - Capital Equipment (CapEx) to lead global category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management for capital expenditure investments across the organization. This role serves as the primary commercial interface between Procurement, Engineering, Global Operations, Manufacturing, Product Development, and Finance to ensure Ciena acquires and manages high-performance, cost-effective, and scalable capital assets. These investments may include test and measurement equipment, manufacturing automation, laboratory infrastructure, reliability testing systems, production tooling, and other technology-enabling equipment critical to Ciena's innovation and operational success.

The successful candidate will develop and execute multi-year category strategies, lead complex commercial negotiations, optimize total cost of ownership (TCO), mitigate supply and commercial risks, and establish supplier partnerships that support Ciena's technology roadmap and business growth objectives.

Must Haves

Strategic Category Management & Planning

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with business objectives, technology roadmaps, manufacturing requirements, and capital investment plans. Analyze spend data, market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and industry trends to identify sourcing opportunities and long-term value creation. Partner with Engineering, Product Development, Global Operations, Manufacturing, and Finance teams to align equipment sourcing decisions with business priorities. Support capital planning and budgeting processes through cost forecasting, market insights, lead-time analysis, and sourcing recommendations. Build and maintain category roadmaps that balance cost, capability, innovation, risk, and scalability.

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Leadership

Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract award processes. Develop commercial strategies that optimize cost, quality, service, delivery performance, and long-term supplier relationships. Negotiate complex commercial agreements, including master purchase agreements, statements of work (SOWs), maintenance agreements, support contracts, warranties, service-level agreements (SLAs), leasing arrangements, and other supplier commitments. Utilize total cost of ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, and value engineering principles to support sourcing and investment decisions. Drive savings, cost avoidance, working capital improvements, and productivity initiatives across assigned categories. Establish preferred supplier frameworks and standardization strategies where appropriate to maximize leverage and operational efficiency.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and service partners. Implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices, including business reviews, performance scorecards, continuous improvement initiatives, and executive-level engagement. Evaluate supplier performance across cost, quality, reliability, responsiveness, innovation, and service metrics. Collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders to resolve performance issues and implement corrective actions when required. Support supplier innovation and technology advancement opportunities that create business value for Ciena.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Project Support

Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to develop sourcing strategies and equipment specifications early in project lifecycles. Support New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing readiness, laboratory expansion, automation initiatives, and other strategic investments. Provide commercial expertise and procurement leadership for capital business cases, investment approvals, and vendor selection activities. Partner with Finance to monitor capital expenditures, forecast spending requirements, and ensure alignment with approved budgets. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contractual obligations, corporate governance, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk Management & Asset Lifecycle Optimization

Assess and mitigate commercial, supplier, technology, capacity, and supply chain risks across assigned categories. Develop sourcing and supplier strategies that enhance business continuity and reduce dependency risks. Support asset lifecycle management activities, including equipment upgrades, service support transitions, end-of-life planning, redeployment, and optimization initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve equipment utilization, standardization, and lifecycle cost performance across Ciena's global footprint.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

Leverage spend analytics, market intelligence, supplier benchmarking, and category performance data to drive informed decision-making. Establish and maintain category KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for leadership visibility. Track and communicate savings, cost avoidance, supplier performance, risk exposure, and strategic initiative progress. Drive process improvements, sourcing excellence, and adoption of procurement best practices across stakeholder groups.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA, Master's degree, or equivalent advanced education.

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, APICS/CPIM, or equivalent.

Experience within telecommunications, networking technology, electronics manufacturing, high-tech, or advanced manufacturing industries.

Global procurement and multi-site category management experience.

Familiarity with capital investment planning, equipment lifecycle management, laboratory operations, manufacturing automation, and technology development environments.

Experience with sourcing analytics, business intelligence tools, and e-sourcing platforms.

Key Competencies

Strategic Category Management

Commercial & Financial Acumen

Supplier Relationship Management

Contract Negotiation

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis

Risk Identification & Mitigation

Cross-Functional Leadership

Data-Driven Decision Making

Executive Communication & Influence

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Success Metrics

Delivery of annual savings and cost avoidance targets.

Improvements in total cost of ownership across assigned categories.

Supplier performance, quality, service, and delivery improvements.

Risk reduction and supply continuity achievement.

Stakeholder satisfaction and business partnership effectiveness.

Adoption of preferred supplier strategies and spend under management.

Successful support and execution of capital investment initiatives.

Achievement of category-specific business objectives and strategic goals.

The salary range for this position is: In Canada, $140,700 - $173, 100.00 cad. In USA, $114,900.00 - $183,500.00 usd.

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.

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.