Director, Commodity Management - Optical Components and Systems

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.

As Director of Commodity Management for Optical Systems, this role shapes how critical optical components and sub-systems are sourced, managed, and scaled to power Ciena's industry-leading system portfolio. The position owns category strategy, supplier performance, and supply readiness across a complex global ecosystem, partnering closely with Product Management, Research and Development, Operations, and Quality to deliver cost optimization, continuity of supply, and resilient execution from innovation through volume production.

How you will make an impact:

* Develop and execute global category sourcing strategies for optical components and sub-systems aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, and technology transitions.

* Lead supplier performance management across cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness using scorecards, performance improvement plans, structured escalations, and executive-level supplier business reviews.

* Own commercial negotiations and contracting strategies, including pricing, lead times, non-cancellable and non-returnable (NCNR) terms, capacity commitments, master purchasing agreements (MPAs), long-term agreements (LTAs), and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) or consignment models.

* Partner with Research and Development, Product Management, and Operations to ensure supplier qualification, capability, and ramp readiness support new product introduction (NPI) milestones and production demand.

* Deliver annual cost reduction targets through cost modeling, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, value engineering, and roadmap-driven cost-down initiatives.

* Identify and mitigate supply chain risk related to single or sole sourcing, capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, and obsolescence through dual sourcing, inventory strategies, alternate technologies, and supplier development.

* Lead cross-functional shortage and allocation response when demand exceeds supply, driving prioritization decisions, recovery plans, and clear executive communications to protect customer commitments.

The must haves:

* Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field OR Master's degree preferred.

* Experience: 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain roles, with meaningful exposure to optical components, optical systems, and related supplier ecosystems.

* Strong working knowledge of optical technologies, including active and passive optical components and optical communication systems such as wavelength selective switches (WSS), amplifiers, pump lasers, reconfigurable add/drop multiplexers, routers, and switches.

* Demonstrated people leadership experience leading individual contributors, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and leading teams through change.

* Proven success developing and executing global sourcing strategies and delivering measurable cost savings and or cost avoidance.

* Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and manage commercial agreements, including MPAs, LTAs, NCNR terms, and VMI or consignment constructs.

* Track record of effective cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Research and Development, Operations, and Quality to support NPIs and technology transitions.

* Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to create and deliver executive-ready, data-driven presentations.

* Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, demonstrating sound judgment and calm decision-making under pressure.

* Proficiency with procurement systems and business intelligence tools, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

* Willingness to travel up to 20 percent domestically and internationally for supplier and site engagements.

Nice to haves:

* Experience leading global commodity teams across multiple regions and supplier markets.

* Exposure to advanced cost modeling, should-cost methodologies, and value engineering in optical or high-technology manufacturing environments.

* Experience implementing procurement process improvements, governance models, and analytics to improve predictability and cycle time.

* Familiarity with supplier risk management frameworks and resiliency planning in complex global supply chains.

Pay Range:

The salary range for this role in Canada is $152,900 to $244,300 CAD annually.
The salary range for this role in the United States is $152,900 to $244,300 USD annually.

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, 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 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.