Senior Director, Product Line Management, WaveLogic Technologies

Ciena; United States; Remote; USD 175,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a senior PLM leader to develop customer relationships and drive product approval for innovative interconnect solutions. This role requires extensive experience in the telecom industry, strong interpersonal skills, and a strategic mindset to navigate complex sales cycles. The successful candidate will contribute to gaining market traction for Ciena's cutting-edge technologies while working in a flexible and empowering environment.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(K)/DCPP

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years' experience in Telecom/Component industry.
• Established relationships with Global, Tier 1/2 Systems Integrators.
• Deep knowledge of coherent modems and high-speed interconnects.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong customer relationships with Systems Integrators.
• Focus on winning new business and securing product approval.
• Collaborate with Product Management and R&D teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

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 individual 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.

How You Will Contribute:

This senior PLM position will be responsible for developing strong customer relationships with Systems Integrators — Customer Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Product Approval, and Supply Management Teams. The role requires a PLM Leader with strong knowledge of coherent and direct detect technologies, DSP and high-speed components markets, as well as ICP (hyperscalers) customers and their interconnect requirements. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, possess strong interpersonal and presentation skills, and be capable of handling multiple priorities and customer demands. There will be a focus on winning new business.

This position aims to gain market traction and mindshare for new Ciena Interconnects and WaveLogic products, securing product approval for deployment. The target market is global, with emphasis on top hyperscalers.

The Must Haves:

• Willingness to travel regularly to meet with customers.
• Existing customer relationships are preferred.
• Ability to develop new customer relationships quickly.
• Understanding of customer buying decisions and procurement processes.
• Advanced knowledge of the competitive landscape, with ability to analyze and strategize effectively.
• Preferably located on the West Coast of North America near key customers.
• Ability to identify new opportunities within existing and future product portfolios.
• Experience in sales activities and product/solution presentations across engineering and management levels.
• Collaboration with Ciena WaveLogic Technologies Product Management and R&D teams to align product offerings with customer needs.
• Deep knowledge of coherent modems and high-speed interconnects.
• Understanding of ICP (hyperscalers) sales cycles and strategic business thinking about emerging technologies.
• Solid optical technology background.
• Proven writing skills for business plans, proposals, and marketing collateral.
• Effective verbal communication skills for various formats and audiences.
• Knowledge of component, module, and networking technologies relevant to the target market.
• Understanding of customer requirements and pain points.
• High energy, positive attitude, flexibility, and attention to detail.
• Strong management and leadership capabilities.
• Cross-functional knowledge across operations, marketing, pre-sales, and product management.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Capacity to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years' experience in Telecom/Component industry, with demonstrated knowledge in optical transmission hardware/software or optoelectronic solutions, including coherent communication technology.
• Established relationships with Global, Tier 1/2 Systems Integrators, with ongoing understanding of their needs.

The annual pay range for this position in California is $175,600 - $280,400 USD.

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Pay ranges are designed to reflect variations in skills, experience, market conditions, and location, aligning with our diverse products and industries. Compensation may include discretionary bonuses or commissions, alongside comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401(K)/DCPP, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. We comply with applicable laws regarding leaves of absence.

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