At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects to enhance service operations and improve product quality.
- Company: Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, focus on individual growth, and commitment to well-being.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in technology while driving meaningful social and community initiatives.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; 10+ years in product manufacturing or process engineering.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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.
This role sits at the center of how Ciena delivers reliable, high‑performance networking solutions to customers worldwide. It focuses on strengthening service operations processes that directly impact product quality, cost, and lifecycle efficiency. The position partners closely with engineering, service teams, and global partners to enable scalable, data‑driven service execution across advanced optical and routing platforms.
How you will make an impact:
- Lead cross‑functional project management efforts with Service Operations teams, global service partners, and engineering organizations to resolve complex process issues.
- Optimize end‑to‑end service lifecycle execution for Ciena products, from introduction through sustainment.
- Deliver service enablement, New Product Introduction (NPI), service ramp, and continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with engineering teams.
- Drive initiatives that improve service performance through cost reduction, aging inventory recovery, scrap reduction, and cycle‑time improvement.
- Define, manage, and report operational performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Apply lean methodologies to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives within Service Operations.
- Develop data‑driven analytics to identify systemic issues, recommend corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions.
The must haves:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Industrial), Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field.
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in product manufacturing or process engineering within high‑technology, telecommunications, networking, or complex electronics environments.
- Demonstrated management of complex projects from concept through execution, resulting in measurable operational improvements.
- Application of manufacturing or repair process knowledge, including process optimization, logistics, and quality control methodologies.
- Utilization of product lifecycle management (PLM) tools and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Ability to collaborate and drive alignment across global, cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to service partners and internal sites to support critical initiatives, with fluency in English.
Nice to haves:
- Education: Master’s degree in a related engineering discipline.
- Background in telecommunications hardware manufacturing or service environments.
- Application of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and serviceability principles.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or 8D problem‑solving methodologies.
- Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities.
- Certifications: PMP certification or a comparable project management qualification.
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.
Services Operations Program Manager in Belfast employer: Ciena Government Solutions
Ciena stands out as an exceptional employer, offering a people-first culture that prioritises flexibility, individual growth, and well-being. As a leader in high-speed connectivity, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional development and meaningful contributions to societal impact. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ciena ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
Contact Details:
Ciena Government Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Services Operations Program Manager in Belfast
✨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 understanding Ciena's culture and values. They’re all about a people-first approach, so think about how your experiences align with that. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Structure your answers around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your problem-solving skills and project management experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Services Operations Program Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Services Operations Program Manager role. Highlight your experience in project management and any relevant technical skills that align with Ciena's focus on high-speed connectivity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in engineering and process optimisation makes you a perfect fit for Ciena's mission.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on measurable achievements. Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or driven projects to success, as this will resonate well with Ciena's emphasis on operational improvements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining the Ciena team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Government Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of service operations and project management methodologies. Familiarise yourself with Ciena's products and how they impact service performance. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the industry and can contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed complex projects or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to drive operational improvements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Ciena values teamwork, so be ready to talk about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've collaborated with engineering or service teams to resolve issues or implement new initiatives. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about Ciena's service operations and future initiatives. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking about their approach to continuous improvement or how they measure success in service performance.
