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 the Director of Commodity Management for Optical Systems, you will own and execute category sourcing strategies and supplier management plans for critical optical components and sub-systems that enable Ciena’s system product portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director, you will lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives, drive supplier performance to cost/quality/delivery targets and ensure supply readiness for new product introductions (NPIs) and production demand. This role requires strong knowledge of optical technologies and the supplier ecosystems, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate with and influence Product Management, R&D, Operations, and Quality partners to deliver measurable outcomes in cost optimization, continuity of supply, and risk reduction.

How you will make an impact:

• Category Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute sourcing and supplier strategies for assigned optical commodities (e.g., lasers, modulators, passives, amplifiers, transceivers), aligned to business priorities and product roadmaps.
• Supplier Performance Leadership: Provide leadership and governance for supplier performance management across the commodity portfolio. Lead the Global Commodity Management team to deliver supplier performance outcomes (cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness) using scorecards, performance improvement plans, and regular supplier business reviews; identify trends and systemic issues, align priorities across stakeholders, and lead structured escalations with suppliers when business risk arises.
• Negotiation & Contracting: Lead negotiations for pricing, lead times, NCNR, capacity commitments, and commercial terms within MPAs, new awards, LTAs, and VMI/consignment constructs; ensure agreements support continuity of supply and total cost objectives.
• NPI & Supply Readiness: Partner with R&D, Product Management, and Operations to ensure supplier capability, qualification, and ramp plans support NPI timelines and volume transitions (proto → pilot → production).
• Cost Optimization: Accountable for delivering annual cost reduction for the commodity portfolio. Drive measurable results through cost modeling, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, value engineering, and roadmap-driven cost-down initiatives while maintaining performance and reliability requirements.
• Risk Management & Resiliency: Identify supply chain risks (single/sole source, capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, obsolescence) and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, inventory strategies, alternate technologies, supplier development).
• Shortage & Allocation Leadership: Provide leadership and governance for shortage response when demand exceeds supply. Lead cross-functional prioritization and allocation decisions, align stakeholders on recovery strategies (capacity, expedites, alternate sources/parts, and inventory actions), and drive clear executive-level communications and escalations to protect customer commitments.
• Market & Technology Insight: Monitor optical component market dynamics, technology trends, and supplier roadmaps; provide recommendations to leadership to inform sourcing decisions and partner selection.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional sourcing teams with Product Management, R&D, Component Engineering, Material Management, Operations, and Quality. Drive executive-ready business reviews; communicate trade-offs, decisions, and progress with clear data-driven narratives.
• Operational Excellence: Improve procurement processes, data quality, and governance; leverage tools/analytics to increase visibility, cycle-time, and predictability.
• People Leadership: Lead and develop a team of individual contributors (commodity managers and analysts). Set clear objectives and KPIs, coach performance, remove execution barriers, and ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of sourcing strategies across the portfolio.
• Team Operating Rhythm: Establish a regular cadence for business reviews, savings tracking, supplier performance reviews, risk reviews, and NPI readiness checkpoints; ensure disciplined follow-through and transparent reporting.
• Talent Development: Recruit, onboard, and develop high-performing talent; conduct performance management, succession planning, and skills development aligned to organizational needs.

The must haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of optical components/systems and manufacturing, active/passive optical components, and optical communication systems (e.g., WSS, amplifiers, pump lasers, add/drop multiplexers, routers/switches).
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, procurement, or supply chain, with meaningful experience in optical components/systems and related supplier ecosystems.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience leading individual contributors, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and leading through change.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing global sourcing strategies and delivering cost savings and/or cost avoidance.
• Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage commercial agreements (MPAs, LTAs, NCNR, VMI/consignment).
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, R&D, Operations, and Quality to support NPIs and technology transitions.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills; able to create and deliver executive-ready presentations.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment; calm, objective decision-making under pressure.
• Proficiency with procurement systems and data/BI tools; ability to turn data into action.
• Up to 20% (domestic and international), as needed for supplier and site engagements.

Pay Range:
The salary range for this role in Canada is $152, 900 - $244, 300
The salary range for this role in the USA is $152, 900 - $244, 300

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 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.