Sales Compensation, Senior Manager

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.

This role leads a globally visible sales compensation function, owning the end-to-end commission process and setting the operating model that supports growth, scalability, and compliance. Partnering closely with Sales, Sales Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Internal Audit, the Sales Compensation Senior Manager influences key decisions, supports senior leadership and the Sales Commission Governance Board (SCGB), and continuously evolves processes, reporting, and analytics to drive operational excellence across the business.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of four sales compensation analysts, building capability, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement
• Own and manage the monthly global sales commission cycle, including bookings assignment, commission calculations, payroll submissions, audits, and analytics
• Drive the implementation and annual (or semi-annual) rollout of new sales compensation plans
• Design and evolve a scalable operating model by automating, standardizing, and transforming commission processes, reporting, and analytics
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure sales compensation programs are effective, compliant, and aligned with business objectives
• Support year-end Sales and Marketing Kick Off (SMKO) activities
• Provide project and ad-hoc support to the Vice President of Global Sales Operations

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5–7+ years of experience in sales compensation, finance, or related roles, including people management experience
• Proven ability to collaborate and influence across functions and levels, including executive leadership
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deliverables under tight timelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and controls
• Demonstrated aptitude for continuous process improvement

Nice to haves:

• Experience working with sales compensation platforms such as Varicent or Anaplan
• Experience with Salesforce (Salesforce.com Customer Relationship Management (CRM)) or other CRM platforms
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with reporting and analytics tools such as Microsoft Power BI
• Experience supporting global or multi-region sales organizations

Pay Range: The annual pay range for this position is CAD $ 116,300 – $150,000.

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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. 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. 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.

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