At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth initiatives and shape winning solutions for a top telecommunications client.
- 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 committed to respect, value, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech industry while driving innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in business development with strong commercial acumen and telecom knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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.
As a senior commercial leader, this role drives growth with one of Ciena's most strategic customers by shaping complex service offerings, closing high-value opportunities, and influencing product and service evolution across the Ciena portfolio.
How you will make an impact:
- Lead strategic growth initiatives from concept through deal closure across VMO2's portfolio.
- Guide cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Product Line Management (PLM), Services, Engineering, Legal, and Commercial functions to shape winning solutions.
- Deliver against a defined sales target focused on new products, services, and commercial models aligned to VMO2's strategy.
- Act as the liaison for selected product and service portfolios, influencing roadmaps and identifying commercial or technical gaps.
- Provide market, competitive, and portfolio insight back into Ciena to help shape future innovations.
- Develop and maintain senior-level relationships within VMO2 to drive multi-threaded engagement.
- Create executive-ready business cases, analyses, and presentations that accelerate decision making.
The must haves:
- 10+ years of experience in business development, strategic sales, or commercial leadership in telecommunications.
- Deep knowledge of VMO2's organisation, decision processes, governance, and operating model.
- Proven ability to shape, negotiate, and close complex, multi-stakeholder deals.
- Strong commercial acumen with ability to articulate total cost of ownership (TCO) and business value.
- Experience selling complex services such as design, integration, managed services, or operational transformation.
- Solid understanding of optical networking, Ethernet/Internet Protocol (IP) systems, and competitive landscapes.
- Strong communication and executive-level presentation capabilities.
Nice to haves:
- Knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV).
- Experience with automation platforms or Operations Support System/Business Support System (OSS/BSS) integration.
- Background in shaping commercial constructs for managed services or recurring revenue models.
- Prior experience influencing product strategy in a large technology organisation.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguous environments and drive clarity.
- Exposure to large-scale operational transformation programmes.
- Strong competitive intelligence capabilities.
Ciena is 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.
Senior Consultant, Business Development 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. Located in Belfast, our collaborative culture encourages innovation and continuous improvement, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to impact both the company and the community. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ciena ensures that every team member feels valued and respected, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant, Business Development in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and have your own ready. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for the next steps in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant, Business Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Consultant role. Highlight your experience in business development and strategic sales, especially in telecommunications. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and shaped complex service offerings in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this position, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We want to see your executive-level presentation capabilities right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Ciena's products and services, especially those related to telecommunications. Brush up on your knowledge of optical networking and Ethernet/IP systems, as well as VMO2's organisational structure and decision-making processes.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in business development and strategic sales. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully shaped and closed complex deals, and be ready to articulate the total cost of ownership and business value of your solutions.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain senior-level relationships. Share examples of how you've engaged with multiple stakeholders in previous roles, and explain how you can leverage these skills to drive multi-threaded engagement within VMO2.
✨Prepare Executive-Level Presentations
Since you'll need to create executive-ready business cases and presentations, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Use visuals and data to support your points, and be prepared to answer questions that may arise during your presentation.
