At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage partner relationships and drive performance across the Middle East and Africa.
- Company: Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on service delivery and partner performance in a dynamic tech environment.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in partner management or operations, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € 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 prioritising 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 adaptive networks that power the world’s most advanced digital experiences. This Partner Manager role sits at the centre of Ciena’s service delivery model across the Middle East and Africa, shaping how customers experience Ciena through its trusted service partners. The role offers high visibility, regional ownership, and the opportunity to directly influence delivery quality, cost competitiveness, and partner maturity at scale.
How you will make an impact:- Own and govern service partner relationships across assigned Middle East and Africa countries, driving performance aligned with Ciena standards
- Lead partner delivery performance management, including service-level agreements (SLAs), quality metrics, and operational escalations
- Drive cost competitiveness through request for quotation (RFQ) execution, pricing analysis, negotiation, and continuous improvement
- Ensure consistent adherence to Ciena delivery processes, quality frameworks, and governance models
- Conduct structured business reviews with partners and internal stakeholders across Customer Operations, Quality, and Procurement
- Anticipate delivery risks through data-driven insight and lead proactive mitigation plans
- Provide regional market intelligence to inform partner strategy, pricing trends, and capacity planning
- 2–5 years of experience in partner management, vendor management, service delivery, or operations within telecommunications or a comparable technical services environment
- Demonstrated commercial acumen, including RFQs, pricing evaluation, and cost management
- Proven ability to manage partner performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and trend analysis
- Experience leading delivery escalations and driving timely, effective resolution
- Strong relationship management skills across internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment
- Clear, structured, and confident written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing service partners across multiple Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) countries
- Knowledge of telecom installation, deployment, field services, or maintenance environments
- Familiarity with partner governance models, performance scorecards, or maturity frameworks
- Exposure to contract interpretation, commercial terms, or services policy environments
- Multilingual capability, particularly in European or regional 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 and are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Partner Manager (ME.A) in London employer: Ciena Corporation
Ciena is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first approach, fostering a flexible work environment that champions individual growth and well-being. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying opportunities for professional development and recognition. Working remotely from the UK, particularly in London, offers the unique advantage of being part of a global leader in high-speed connectivity, where your role as a Partner Manager directly influences service delivery quality across the Middle East and Africa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Manager (ME.A) 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 lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Knowing what makes Ciena tick will help you stand out and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Partner Manager role. Highlight your skills in managing relationships and driving performance.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Partner Manager (ME.A) 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 any relevant achievements that align with what we’re looking for at Ciena.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong relationship management skills and your ability to drive performance using KPIs. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and enhance our service delivery.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it structured and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your experiences and how they relate to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 Numbers
As a Partner Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. Brush up on relevant data from your past experiences, like how you improved partner performance or managed service-level agreements (SLAs). Being able to discuss specific numbers will show your commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role is all about managing relationships with partners and stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your relationship management skills. Think about times when you successfully navigated challenges or escalations with partners, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Market
Ciena operates in a competitive landscape, so it's crucial to have a grasp of the telecommunications market, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Research current trends, pricing strategies, and any recent developments in the industry. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential delivery risks and how you would mitigate them using data-driven insights. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.
