Global Process Owner - Sales and Operations Planning

Ciena is seeking an exceptional and visionary Global Process Owner for the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP – Forecast to Build) business process. This critical leadership role sits within the Enterprise Transformation Office and is responsible for transforming S&OP into a core, cross-functional, and executive-led business management process. The role blends strategic leadership, deep subject matter expertise, and a passion for technology-enabled, data-driven transformation to support accurate decision-making, operational agility, and long-term business growth.

How you will make an impact:

• Own, design, and govern the global end-to-end Sales and Operations Planning process, defining a scalable, flexible, and future-ready operating model

• Establish and enforce global process governance, including roles, responsibilities, and decision rights, to ensure consistent execution and accountability

• Define, track, and report key performance indicators that measure S&OP effectiveness, decision quality, and business outcomes

• Lead digital transformation initiatives by partnering with technology teams to implement and optimize advanced planning platforms aligned to the future-state process

• Champion automation and artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance forecasting accuracy, scenario planning, and capacity and constraint modeling

• Develop and manage a continuous improvement roadmap to advance S&OP maturity using best-in-class methodologies and emerging technologies

• Drive cross-functional alignment and adoption by serving as the subject matter expert and trusted advisor across Sales, Finance, Operations, and regional leadership

The must haves:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, or planning roles, including seven or more years leading formal global Sales and Operations Planning processes

• Proven experience as a global or enterprise business process owner for a major end-to-end planning or operations process

• Deep expertise with advanced planning systems such as Kinaxis, SAP Integrated Business Planning, Anaplan, or Oracle, within complex enterprise resource planning environments

• Demonstrated ability to influence and partner effectively with senior executives across Sales, Finance, Operations, and Technology functions

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Nice to haves:

• Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to forecasting, inventory optimization, scenario planning, or supply chain risk modeling

• Master of Business Administration or other relevant master’s degree

• Experience working in a publicly traded, high-growth technology environment

• Professional certifications such as Certified in Planning and Inventory Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional