CMS & Partner Lead – India

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing 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.
Role Summary
This role sits at the intersection of consulting, product strategy, and partner execution—focused on driving service innovation with Ciena’s service provider ecosystem.
The primary responsibility is to work closely with telecom/service provider customers to co-create and launch new services (CMS model) that drive their revenue growth. The remaining focus involves enabling and collaborating with reseller partners on targeted opportunities.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role in India reporting to the APJI Partner Sales Head, and requiring strong cross-functional influence across sales, product, and marketing teams—both internally and externally. It is the central connection for all Partner activities in India.
How you will make an impact
• Service Creation / CMS Consulting
Partner with service providers (e.g., telcos, data center operators) to identify growth opportunities and co-create new services
Drive end-to-end service lifecycle: market assessment → business case → launch → go-to-market → adoption
Leverage Ciena’s global CMS experience to bring proven models into local markets
Act as a trusted advisor to customer product, marketing, and network teams
• Partner & Deal Enablement
Collaborate with sales teams to drive joint pursuits across India and select SAARC markets
Support key reseller and SI partners on strategic, high-value opportunities
Build and execute a clear strategy with a defined set of partners
Cross-functional execution
Work closely with Ciena sales, marketing, product, and global Partner and CMS teams
Drive GTM programs, demand generation, and solution positioning for newly created services
Operate in a matrix environment without direct reporting lines
What we are looking for
• Must have
Experience in a telecom/service provider environment (carrier side preferred)
Exposure to product management/ service lifecycle/ service creation
Strong understanding of how telcos launch and monetize new services
Ability to operate as a hands-on IC and influence without authority
trong stakeholder management (customer + internal teams)
• Good to have
Experience working with carrier managed services / B2B telco offerings
Exposure to partner ecosystems (SI/VAR), but not core channel-only background
Experience in consulting, strategy, or GTM roles within telecom
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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.