Senior Consultant, Business Development
Senior Consultant, Business Development

Senior Consultant, Business Development

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ciena Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic growth initiatives and shape complex service offerings for a major 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 by driving innovation and building senior-level relationships.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in business development with strong commercial acumen and telecommunications knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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.

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.

Senior Consultant, Business Development 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 social impact and community engagement, employees are empowered to drive strategic initiatives while enjoying a culture of collaboration and respect. The remote working opportunity in the UK allows for a balanced lifestyle, making Ciena an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in technology.
Ciena Corporation

Contact Detail:

Ciena Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant, Business Development

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Ciena or have insights into VMO2. A friendly chat can open doors and give you the inside scoop on what they're really looking for.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Ciena's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their business and how you can contribute to their growth.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in shaping complex deals and how it aligns with the role. We want to hear how you’ve driven growth and influenced product strategies in your previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Ciena.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant, Business Development

Business Development
Strategic Sales
Commercial Leadership
Telecommunications Knowledge
Negotiation Skills
Complex Deal Closure
Commercial Acumen
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Articulation
Optical Networking Understanding
Ethernet/Internet Protocol (IP) Systems Knowledge
Executive-Level Presentation Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Market and Competitive Insight
Automation Platforms Experience
Operations Support System/Business Support System (OSS/BSS) Integration

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 led growth initiatives or closed complex deals in the past.

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!

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 in relation to VMO2. Brush up on your knowledge of optical networking and the competitive landscape. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to close complex deals and lead strategic initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.

✨Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in developing senior-level relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a Senior Consultant position, so think of examples where your relationship-building skills made a difference.

✨Prepare Executive-Level Presentations

Since you'll need to create executive-ready business cases and presentations, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your communication skills during the interview.

Senior Consultant, Business Development
Ciena Corporation

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