At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance service partner relationships across EMEA for exceptional customer outcomes.
- Company: Ciena, a 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: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a tech company making a real impact in the digital world.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in partner management or operations, strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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 a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well‑being, and belonging. We are a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Ciena is hiring two Partner Management Analysts to help shape, govern, and continuously improve the service partner ecosystem across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This high‑impact role sits at the heart of Ciena’s service execution model, balancing commercial discipline, operational excellence, and partner performance to deliver exceptional customer outcomes at scale.
How You Will Make An Impact
- Own and develop service partner relationships across assigned EMEA countries, ensuring alignment with Ciena delivery, quality, and governance expectations.
- Drive partner performance across service level agreements (SLAs), quality metrics, and operational outcomes, addressing issues and escalations with urgency and structure.
- Strengthen cost competitiveness through request for quotation (RFQ) management, pricing analysis, and commercial negotiation with service partners.
- Lead regular partner business reviews, including quarterly business reviews (QBRs), in close collaboration with Customer Operations, Quality, and Procurement teams.
- Support forecasting, capacity planning, and demand alignment to ensure partner readiness for current and future service requirements.
- Identify operational, commercial, and delivery risks early, leading mitigation actions to protect customer experience and service continuity.
- Provide regional market insight to inform partner strategy, including labor trends, pricing dynamics, and competitive conditions.
The Must Haves
- 5–8 years of experience in partner management, vendor management, service delivery management, or operations within telecommunications or a comparable technical services environment.
- Demonstrated commercial acumen, including experience with RFQs, pricing evaluation, and cost management.
- Proven ability to manage delivery performance using data, key performance indicators (KPIs), and structured reporting.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Experience operating effectively in a matrixed, cross‑functional environment.
- Track record of managing service escalations and driving timely, effective resolution.
- Clear, confident, and structured communication skills, both written and verbal.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing service partners or vendors across multiple EMEA countries.
- Familiarity with telecom installation, deployment, field services, or maintenance environments.
- Exposure to partner governance frameworks, performance scorecards, or maturity models.
- Experience interpreting contracts, commercial terms, or service policies.
- Multilingual capability in one or more European 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.
Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London employer: Ciena
Ciena stands out as an exceptional employer, offering a flexible work environment that prioritises individual growth and well-being. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive in a culture that values their contributions while making a meaningful impact on society. The Partner Manager role provides unique opportunities for professional development within a leading technology company at the forefront of high-speed connectivity, ensuring that team members can grow alongside the evolving demands of the digital landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Partner Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Ciena’s values and recent projects. We want to show how our skills align with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think about how we can demonstrate our experience in partner management and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can keep track of our applications and any updates directly from there. Let’s make sure we’re putting our best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Partner Manager (EU & UK) in London
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 how it aligns with Ciena's focus on service delivery and operational excellence.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive partner performance. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Ciena values structured communication, so make sure your writing reflects that. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and allows us to see your enthusiasm for joining the Ciena team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena
✨Know Your Partners
Before the interview, research Ciena's service partners and their roles in the EMEA region. Understanding their business models and how they align with Ciena’s goals will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to manage those relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with RFQs, pricing evaluations, and cost management. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with partners or improved service delivery through data-driven decisions. This will highlight your ability to drive partner performance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Ciena values structured communication, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses, especially when discussing past experiences related to managing service escalations or driving resolutions.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Think of examples where you've built strong relationships with internal stakeholders or external partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated cross-functional environments and managed diverse teams, as this will show your capability to thrive in Ciena’s collaborative culture.
