Director of Procurement Operations

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

Senior Director, Procurement Operations Summary

As a member of Ciena's Global Procurement Leadership Team, the Senior Director of Procurement Operations leads the strategy, governance, systems, processes, and operational excellence framework that enables world-class procurement performance globally. This leader drives transformation through digital capabilities, business operations, compliance, trade governance, sustainability, risk management, and supply chain resilience initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Procurement Operations strategy, business planning, KPI management, executive reporting, and organizational effectiveness.
• Own the procurement systems and digital transformation roadmap, including analytics, automation, and process optimization.
• Establish and maintain procurement policies, governance, controls, and compliance programs.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, Internal Audit, and Trade Compliance teams to ensure regulatory compliance and support tariff and global trade strategies.
• Lead sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives aligned with corporate ESG objectives.
• Develop enterprise supplier risk management, business continuity, and supply chain resilience programs.
• Build and lead a high-performing global team focused on continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, Information Systems, or related field.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or Business Transformation.
• Proven success leading large-scale process, systems, governance, and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Strong expertise in procurement systems, compliance, risk management, supplier management, and business operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree and professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma.

Success Measures

Procurement operational excellence, governance and compliance effectiveness, technology adoption, sustainability progress, supplier risk reduction, supply chain resilience improvements, and overall organizational capability development.

The pay range for this position, in Maryland, USA, is: $175,900.00 - $280,900.00 USD #LI-JD 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.

• 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
• vacation time

We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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.