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- Tasks: Lead strategic growth initiatives and shape winning solutions for high-value opportunities.
- Company: Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, focus on well-being, and opportunities for individual growth.
- 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 communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to respect, value, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 are 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 in London employer: Ciena
Contact Detail:
Ciena Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant, Business Development in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have insights into Ciena or VMO2. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Ciena’s products and services. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings and apply directly. We’re all about making connections, and applying through us can give you a leg up. Let’s get you on board with a company that values your growth!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant, Business Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Consultant role. Highlight your experience in business development and telecommunications, and show how your skills align with Ciena's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to close complex deals and drive growth, as this will really catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We want to see your personality shine through without getting lost in complicated phrases!
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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Ciena!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Ciena's products and services, especially those related to VMO2. Brush up on your knowledge of optical networking and the competitive landscape. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to close complex deals and lead strategic initiatives. Highlight your commercial acumen and how you've successfully navigated multi-stakeholder environments in telecommunications.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your skills in developing senior-level relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making processes in previous roles and how you can do the same at Ciena. This is crucial for driving engagement with VMO2.
✨Prepare Executive-Level Presentations
Since you'll need to create executive-ready business cases and analyses, practice presenting your ideas clearly and concisely. Use visuals where possible to make your points more impactful, and be prepared to answer tough questions about your proposals.