Director, Project Management

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 Project Managment, this role drives the successful delivery of complex network transformation programs, ensuring seamless migration from legacy optical systems to modern Ciena platforms. The position plays a critical role in delivering high-quality customer outcomes while aligning execution with organizational goals and operational excellence. This role contributes to building long-term customer trust through effective leadership and consistent program delivery.

How you will make an impact:

Lead execution of large-scale migration programs from legacy optical equipment to current platforms

Drive program planning, scheduling, and delivery to meet customer and organizational objectives

Ensure achievement of target service margins and alignment with revenue recognition requirements

Communicate program risks, deviations, and mitigation actions to stakeholders

Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, partners, and customers to enable successful delivery

Translate customer requirements into structured plans, milestones, and execution frameworks

Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance delivery quality and reduce costs

The must haves:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or relevant years’ work experience.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in the technology industry

Demonstrated track record of managing large technology, network transformation, and migration programs

Application of methods required to migrate complex next-generation telecommunication networks

Utilization of written, verbal, and client-facing communication skills in program delivery environments

Ability to operate with high-level departmental goals to drive execution

Ability to work effectively within high-performance teams

Nice to haves:

Certifications: PMP certification (preferred, in process, or planned)

Customer-oriented approach demonstrated through active partnership with clients

Application of critical thinking to analyze multidimensional and ambiguous problems

Demonstration of judgment in assessing long-term impacts and risks

Ability to make decisions involving risk with consideration of business impact

Adaptive leadership style with delegation across team environments

Organizational awareness to navigate culture, climate, and internal dynamics

The annual pay range for this position is $144,200 - $230,400 USD

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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.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.