Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet
Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet

Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet

Full-Time 120000 - 168000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Ciena

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global sales strategies and negotiate impactful commercial solutions.
  • Company: Join Ciena, a leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work options.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a meaningful impact.
  • Why this job: Shape innovative solutions while driving business growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in business or finance, with strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 168000 £ 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.

Primary Location: Hanover, MD/Atlanta, GA (Americas); London, UK (International), minimum 2 days per week

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Regional Sales Leaders to develop and execute sales strategies and metrics for Americas and International regions.
  • Partner with sales teams and stakeholders to create innovative commercial and pricing strategies that address customer challenges.
  • Review RFPs and contracts for financial implications, negotiating solutions to overcome deal blockers.
  • Support customer negotiations on contractual documents and pricing, representing Blue Planet’s leadership goals on pricing and structuring.
  • Guide regional Commercial Managers in analyzing and presenting deals for approval.
  • Serve as the global subject matter expert for Blue Planet policies, operational processes, and governance, ensuring compliance and required approvals.
  • Partner with Product Line Management (PLM) to review and approve service and product descriptions, drive operational initiatives, and recommend pricing adjustments.

Must Haves

  • 10+ years of experience in business, finance/accounting, or contracting and negotiation.
  • Proven ability to build strong business partnerships with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Expertise in contract negotiation, preferably within the software/SaaS industry.
  • Bachelor’s degree in finance or business-related field.
  • Proficiency in working with sales leadership and tools such as quoting systems and CRM platforms.
  • Experience in driving scale and automation into quoting and front-end processes is highly preferred.

Nice To Haves

  • Strong understanding of Blue Planet technologies, solutions, and strategies.
  • Familiarity with revenue recognition and forecasting processes.
  • Ability to influence business processes to support growth in a rapidly evolving product and software environment.
  • Adaptability, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset to navigate dynamic challenges.
  • Collaborative approach to creating commercial constructs with PLM and sales teams.
  • Experience in reviewing pricing/discount strategies and assigning margins collaboratively with PLM and accounting teams.

Join Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, and contribute to shaping innovative solutions that address customer challenges while driving business growth. Be part of a dynamic, global team dedicated to making an impact in a rapidly evolving software environment.

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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.

Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet employer: Ciena

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 a culture of collaboration, employees are empowered to innovate and drive meaningful change in the rapidly evolving software landscape. The comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, health plans, and generous leave policies, further enhances the rewarding experience of being part of the Blue Planet team in Hanover, MD, Atlanta, GA, or London, UK.
Ciena

Contact Detail:

Ciena Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ciena, especially those in similar roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the company culture and what they really value in candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Blue Planet's technologies and solutions. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what the company does. Tailor our responses to reflect that understanding!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our negotiation skills! Since this role involves contract negotiations, let’s role-play potential scenarios with a friend. This will help us feel more confident and articulate during the actual discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can set up job alerts to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet

Sales Strategy Development
Contract Negotiation
Financial Analysis
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
CRM Proficiency
Quoting Systems Knowledge
Revenue Recognition
Forecasting Processes
Problem-Solving Mindset
Collaboration with Product Line Management
Adaptability
Experience in Software/SaaS Industry

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Director role. Highlight your experience in commercial management and contract negotiation, as these are key for us at Blue Planet.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales strategies and build strong partnerships. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance. We appreciate straightforward communication!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Global Director in Commercial Management, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics and financial implications related to sales strategies and pricing. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated contract negotiations in the past.

✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

This role requires strong partnerships with sales teams and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively in previous roles, especially in creating innovative commercial strategies. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they’ve helped you build strong business relationships.

✨Understand Blue Planet's Vision

Familiarise yourself with Blue Planet technologies and their impact on the market. Research recent developments and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Showing that you understand their mission will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to overcome deal blockers or navigate complex negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.

Global Director, Commercial Management - Blue Planet
Ciena
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