At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance service partner relationships across EMEA for exceptional customer outcomes.
- Company: Ciena, a leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, focus on growth, well-being, and recognition.
- Other info: Opportunity to work remotely and engage with diverse teams across Europe.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving impactful technology solutions in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in partner management or operations, strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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.
For more than 25 years, Ciena has been the global leader in high‐speed connectivity, enabling service providers, enterprises, and public sector organizations to build adaptive networks that meet the demands of a digital, AI‐driven world. Ciena’s technology forms the backbone of critical global infrastructure, supporting everything from mobile streaming and cloud services to autonomous systems and next‐generation.
We are hiring two Partner Management Analysts to help shape, govern, and continuously improve the service partner ecosystem across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This high‐impact role sits at the heart of Ciena’s service execution model, balancing commercial discipline, operational excellence, and partner performance to deliver exceptional customer outcomes at scale.
How you will make an impact:- Own and develop service partner relationships across assigned EMEA countries, ensuring alignment with Ciena delivery, quality, and governance expectations.
- Drive partner performance across service level agreements (SLAs), quality metrics, and operational outcomes, addressing issues and escalations with urgency and structure.
- Strengthen cost competitiveness through request for quotation (RFQ) management, pricing analysis, and commercial negotiation with service partners.
- Lead regular partner business reviews, including quarterly business reviews (QBRs), in close collaboration with Customer Operations, Quality, and Procurement teams.
- Support forecasting, capacity planning, and demand alignment to ensure partner readiness for current and future service requirements.
- Identify operational, commercial, and delivery risks early, leading mitigation actions to protect customer experience and service continuity.
- Provide regional market insight to inform partner strategy, including labor trends, pricing dynamics, and competitive conditions.
- 5–8 years of experience in partner management, vendor management, service delivery management, or operations within telecommunications or a comparable technical services environment.
- Demonstrated commercial acumen, including experience with RFQs, pricing evaluation, and cost management.
- Proven ability to manage delivery performance using data, key performance indicators (KPIs), and structured reporting.
- Strong relationship‐building skills with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Experience operating effectively in a matrixed, cross‐functional environment.
- Track record of managing service escalations and driving timely, effective resolution.
- Clear, confident, and structured communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience managing service partners or vendors across multiple EMEA countries.
- Familiarity with telecom installation, deployment, field services, or maintenance environments.
- Exposure to partner governance frameworks, performance scorecards, or maturity models.
- Experience interpreting contracts, commercial terms, or service policies.
- Multilingual capability in one or more European languages.
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.
We prioritize growth, wellbeing, and recognition for our teams.
Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London employer: Ciena Corporation
Ciena is an exceptional employer that champions a people-first culture, offering a flexible work environment that prioritises individual growth and well-being. With a commitment to meaningful social impact, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the advancement of high-speed connectivity across Europe and the UK. The company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member feels respected and heard.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to confidently explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise and engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing familiar names!
We think you need these skills to ace Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Partner Manager role. Highlight your experience in partner management and how it aligns with our needs at Ciena. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've driven partner performance or improved service delivery. This helps us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Corporation
✨Know Your Partners
Before the interview, research Ciena's partner ecosystem and understand their key service partners in the EMEA region. Familiarise yourself with their performance metrics and any recent news about their partnerships. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can enhance these relationships.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with RFQs, pricing evaluations, and cost management. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with partners or improved service delivery through data analysis. This will demonstrate your ability to drive partner performance effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use structured communication when discussing your past experiences, especially around managing service escalations and driving resolutions. This will reflect your strong relationship-building skills and your ability to operate in a cross-functional environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to partner management and service delivery. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness to handle operational risks effectively.
