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. Create and lead the operating system for Services innovation, including intake, prioritization, experimentation, governance, funding and handoff to portfolio ownership.

Direct a team of innovation PLMs and cross‑functional contributors while maintaining clear accountability for decisions, milestones, risk and business outcomes. Lead special projects sponsored by Services leadership where the opportunity is strategic, ambiguous, cross‑portfolio or not yet owned by an established portfolio.Develop the Services innovation strategy, priorities and portfolio in alignment with Services strategy, technology direction and growth objectives. Establish an innovation pipeline and decision forums with SPLM, Services R&D;, Services CTO, Business Development, Finance, delivery and regional stakeholders.

Oversee evaluation of addressable market, customer need, strategic fit, feasibility, investment, risk, differentiation and route to market. Direct rapid prototyping, customer co‑creation, pilots and evidence development; Own governance of the innovation portfolio, R&D; investment recommendations, special‑project plans and executive reporting. Develop and challenge P&Ls; and business cases for complex innovation opportunities, pilots and special projects, including revenue potential, cost structure, margin, investment requirements, risks and sensitivities.

Maintain ongoing financial tracking across the innovation funnel using relevant P&L; and investment KPIs; provide performance, variance,



risk and opportunity reporting as needed. Help direct Innovation and R&D; spend by comparing investment requirements, strategic value, commercial potential, expected return and portfolio priorities; Ensure tested concepts transition cleanly to an accountable portfolio owner through NSI, commercial readiness, delivery readiness and enablement. Develop team capability, objectives and performance expectations; Run horizon scanning and scenario‑planning activities that feed Services strategy and portfolio choices.

A healthy, transparent innovation funnel with timely evidence‑based decisions. Conversion of priority concepts into scalable services, reusable assets or clear stop decisions. Business value from innovation investments, pilots and special projects.

Quality of opportunity P&Ls;, business cases, ongoing financial tracking and recommendations on innovation investment and commercialization. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration or equivalent relevant experience; advanced degree is an asset. Significant leadership experience in telecommunications services, innovation, portfolio management, product management, strategy or business development.

Strong business‑case, investment, portfolio, commercial and financial skills. Demonstrated ability to develop complex prospect P&Ls;, interpret portfolio‑level financial performance,



track relevant P&L; and investment KPIs, and communicate implications and recommendations to senior leadership.

Experience with experimentation, prototyping, customer validation and commercialization.

Assets

Experience with Services R&D;, AI, automation, software‑enabled services or digital operations. Formal innovation, design‑thinking, agile, product‑management or program‑management training.The salary range for this position, In Canada, is $170,500.00 - $272,300.00 cad. #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.

In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 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, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence. 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. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Create an account to sign up for job alerts and be notified about new opportunities, customized for you.

📌 Director, Services Innovation & Special Projects (Winnipeg)
🏢 Ciena Canada ULC
📍 Winnipeg