Strategic Vendor Manager – Repair Operations

Ciena; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 103,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) matching

ESPP

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Vendor Manager, Repair Operations to lead the performance and strategic management of key third-party repair and service partners supporting service operations. You will act as the primary operational and commercial interface with the repair provider, accountable for quality, cost, delivery, and customer impact.

In this role, you will drive accountability, oversee pricing discussions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce total service cost while maintaining

Qualifications

• 10+ years in vendor or supplier management or service operations.
• Ability to establish KPIs and SLAs and drive performance reviews.
• Experience contributing to commercial discussions including contracts, pricing, budgets, or invoices.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-influencing skills across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance governance by establishing KPIs, SLAs, and reviewing weekly/monthly performance.
• Address performance gaps with action plans and corrective actions.
• Oversee supplier spending, invoices, budgets, forecasts, and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to resolve issues.
• Develop data-driven recommendations and business cases for supplier and process improvements.
• Ensure continuity by assessing supplier capacity against demand and risk mitigation plans.
• Support supplier selection, RFx processes, risk assessments, and transitions.

Skills

Vendor management

KPIs & SLAs

Communication

Stakeholder management

Contract discussions

Analytical skills

Travel willingness

Operational accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Job description

Ciena is seeking a Vendor Manager, Repair Operations to lead the performance and strategic management of key third-party repair and service partners supporting service operations. You will act as the primary operational and commercial interface with the repair provider, accountable for quality, cost, delivery, and customer impact.

In this role, you will drive accountability, oversee pricing discussions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce total service cost while maintaining