Category Lead

Ciena•Ottawa, ON

1d•CA$84,700 - CA$135,300•Remote

About The Position

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. The Category Lead will be responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for various indirect spend categories Globally and within Ciena, ensuring cost optimization, supplier performance, and compliance with company policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of progressive experience in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing roles, with at least 3 years in a category management capacity.
Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings and driving process efficiencies.
Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., Coupa) and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
Strong understanding of legal and commercial aspects of procurement contracts (DocuSign).

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for assigned indirect spend categories (e.g., technical and engineering teams, Capex, MRO etc).
Conduct market analysis, supplier identification, and spend analysis to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
Lead the end-to-end sourcing process, including RFI/RFP development, vendor evaluation, negotiation of contracts, and supplier selection.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to understand their business needs and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.
Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, contract compliance, and dispute resolution.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, leveraging best practices and technological solutions.
Ensure all procurement activities adhere to Ciena's ethical guidelines, financial policies, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with global procurement teams to leverage global agreements and best practices where applicable.
Develop and present regular reports on category performance, savings achieved, and key metrics to senior management.
Mentor and guide junior procurement professionals within the team.