Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, is accelerating how customers automate, simplify, and scale their operations. This senior commercial leadership role shapes complex deal strategy across the Americas or International region, guides a team of commercial managers, and strengthens the connection between Sales, Product Line Management (PLM), and Ciena’s strategic business objectives. The work has meaningful impact—driving predictable, profitable growth while enabling customers to achieve transformative outcomes.
 

How you will make an impact:
• Lead regional deal strategy, structuring, and governance to support healthy, scalable growth
• Partner with Regional Sales Leaders to shape commercial approaches, pricing strategies, and customer negotiation outcomes
• Oversee deal reviews, approvals, and coaching for regional Commercial Managers
• Interpret commercial implications of RFPs and customer contracts, removing obstacles to closure
• Serve as a key governance leader, ensuring alignment with internal approval processes and operating guidelines
• Collaborate closely with accounting, finance, and revenue teams to ensure accurate forecasting and compliant deal structures
• Partner with PLM to define commercial constructs, approve product and service descriptions, and support pricing and margin decisions
 

The must haves:
• 10+ years of business experience in finance, commercial management, contracting, or a related discipline (+)
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or finance
• Demonstrated experience working with senior sales leadership in a global environment
• Strong negotiation capabilities with experience supporting complex customer deals
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to navigate and influence cross‑functional teams in a dynamic, growing software‑centric business
 

Nice to haves:
• Experience leading or mentoring commercial or deal‑desk teams
• Background supporting software‑as‑a‑service or subscription‑based commercial models
• Familiarity with global contracting frameworks and solution‑based selling motions
• Exposure to product management or product commercialization processes
• Ability to develop creative commercial constructs aligned to customer business needs
• Experience working with revenue recognition or financial planning stakeholders
• Comfort operating in fast‑changing environments with evolving operating models
 

Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position is USD $156,300 – $249,700.
 

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.