Global Commodity Manager - Optics

Ciena; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company matching (USA) & D

ESPP

EAP

Paid holidays / vacation

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, is seeking an experienced Optical Procurement/Commodity Manager to drive supplier strategy and cost optimization for optical components across the product lifecycle.

You will lead cross-functional teams, negotiate total cost of ownership, monitor market trends, and build supplier relationships to ensure supply continuity and competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Engineering and/or Business degree required.
• 10+ years of optical procurement experience.
• 5+ years in commodity management and/or procurement.
• Knowledge of optical technologies and supplier ecosystems.
• Experience with lasers, optical receivers, modulators, and transceivers.
• Leadership of cross-functional teams including R&D, PLM, and Quality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commodity strategies for optical products and suppliers.
• Monitor market trends and supplier landscapes to inform sourcing.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align strategies with goals.
• Lead negotiations to optimize total cost of ownership.
• Resolve supply shortages and maintain continuity across the lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks for optical components.

Skills

Optical procurement

Commodity management

Cross-functional leadership

Optical components knowledge

R&D collaboration

Education

Engineering and/or Business degree

Job description

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.

Ciena's Supply Chain organization drives strategic sourcing decisions that enable innovation, technology leadership, and operational resilience across the optical networking portfolio. This role influences supplier strategy, risk management, cost optimization, and new product introduction activities for critical optical components. Success in this position helps ensure access to leading technologies while maintaining supply continuity and competitive advantage.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop and implement commodity strategies for optical products and suppliers across technology, quality, supply, and cost objectives.
• Monitor optical component market trends, technology developments, product costs, supply conditions, and supplier landscapes to inform sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align commodity strategies with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead negotiations to optimize total cost of ownership for optical components throughout the product lifecycle.
• Resolve critical supply shortages through engagement with suppliers and EMS partners to maintain supply continuity.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with optical components throughout the product lifecycle.
• Build supplier relationships and conduct recurring business reviews to align supplier actions with business objectives.

The must haves:

• Education: Engineering and/or Business degree.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in optical procurement.
• Experience: 5+ years of Commodity Management and/or Procurement experience.
• Application of optical technologies, optical component industry trends, and supplier ecosystems.
• Utilization of optical products including lasers, optical receivers, modulators, passive optical components, and transceivers.
• Background in optics manufacturing processes, including optical fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, including R&D, PLM, and Quality, on commodity initiatives.

Nice to haves:

• Commodity knowledge of optical components including, but not limited to, line cards, WSS & ROADMs, gain blocks, and laser pumps.
• Expertise defining and implementing supply strategies to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of supply for optical components.
• Experience resolving critical supply shortages and optimizing supplier relationships.
• Experience supporting internal stakeholders with the negotiation of legal agreements involving suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure using time management practices.Willingness to travel as required to support supplier relationships and business needs.

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $97,300 - $155,300 CAD

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,

• 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
• 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 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.