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.
Ciena is seeking an exceptional and visionary Global Process Owner for the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP – Forecast to Build) business process. This critical leadership role sits within the Enterprise Transformation Office and is responsible for transforming S&OP into a core, cross-functional, and executive-led business management process. The role blends strategic leadership, deep subject matter expertise, and a passion for technology-enabled, data-driven transformation to support accurate decision-making, operational agility, and long-term business growth.
How you will make an impact:
Own, design, and govern the global end-to-end Sales and Operations Planning process, defining a scalable, flexible, and future-ready operating model
Establish and enforce global process governance, including roles, responsibilities, and decision rights, to ensure consistent execution and accountability
Define, track, and report key performance indicators that measure S&OP effectiveness, decision quality, and business outcomes
Lead digital transformation initiatives by partnering with technology teams to implement and optimize advanced planning platforms aligned to the future-state process
Champion automation and artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance forecasting accuracy, scenario planning, and capacity and constraint modeling
Develop and manage a continuous improvement roadmap to advance S&OP maturity using best-in-class methodologies and emerging technologies
Drive cross-functional alignment and adoption by serving as the subject matter expert and trusted advisor across Sales, Finance, Operations, and regional leadership
The must haves:
10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, or planning roles, including seven or more years leading formal global Sales and Operations Planning processes
Proven experience as a global or enterprise business process owner for a major end-to-end planning or operations process
Deep expertise with advanced planning systems such as Kinaxis, SAP Integrated Business Planning, Anaplan, or Oracle, within complex enterprise resource planning environments
Demonstrated ability to influence and partner effectively with senior executives across Sales, Finance, Operations, and Technology functions
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
Nice to haves:
Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to forecasting, inventory optimization, scenario planning, or supply chain risk modeling
Master of Business Administration or other relevant master’s degree
Experience working in a publicly traded, high-growth technology environment
Professional certifications such as Certified in Planning and Inventory Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional
Pay Range
The annual pay range for this position is USD $169,400 - $240,000
#LI-SG
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.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
