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 center 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. 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 prioritise growth, wellbeing, and recognition for our teams.
Partner Manager (ME.A) 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. As a Partner Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape service delivery across the Middle East and Africa, with high visibility and the chance to influence key performance metrics. With a commitment to diversity and employee recognition, Ciena fosters a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Manager (ME.A)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ciena on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Ciena’s recent projects and their impact in the Middle East and Africa. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, use specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your partner management and negotiation skills. Make it clear how you can drive performance aligned with Ciena standards.
✨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)
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. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your commercial acumen, relationship management, and ability to drive performance. We want to see how you can make an impact at Ciena.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use structured language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate confident communication, so make sure your written skills shine through!
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 gives you a chance to explore more about Ciena and our culture!
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 points from your previous roles, especially around service delivery and partner performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions.
✨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 how you maintained strong communication throughout.
✨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, challenges, and opportunities in the region. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and informed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think through potential delivery risks and how you would mitigate them using data-driven insights. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
