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.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and drive innovative projects that shape talent and business operations? As a Program Manager, you will convert agenda priorities into structured programs and projects, working with P&C Centres of Excellence, HR Business Partners, and business leaders to deliver real impact through our Talent Agenda. While the Talent Agenda’s strategic content is defined by the People & Culture Leadership team (PCLT), this exciting role owns the operating system that brings it to life. This role is ideal for someone who is looking to make a tangible difference, strengthen operational practices, and collaborate with a team focused on growth and shared success.
If you’re energized by leading strategic initiatives and eager to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, we want to hear from you.
How You Will Make An Impact
- Support the transformation of our strategic Talent Agenda into dynamic, high-impact programs and projects by setting ambitious objectives, clear timelines, and measurable KPIs, delivering insights that guide leadership decisions and inspire action.
- Drive operational excellence by orchestrating governance, upholding best-in-class standards, proactively mitigating risks, and tracking performance across key stakeholders—including Communications, Analytics, and Technology teams.
- Design and steer comprehensive project plans, monitoring progress, and swiftly addressing emerging challenges, while delivering initiatives on schedule and within scope, ensuring every milestone is met with precision.
- Conduct monthly and quarterly operational reviews, adapting strategies to stay ahead of evolving business needs and market opportunities.
- Ignite change by partnering with Communications and HR Business Partners to deliver impactful change management initiatives and foster enthusiastic stakeholder engagement.
- Play a key role in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration, uniting teams for integrated, breakthrough results that transition appropriately to business-as-usual.
- Recommend ways to continuously elevate operational systems and processes, pioneering new efficiencies and helping to drive sustainable improvements.
The must haves
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, information technology, or a related field
- 5+ years of progressive project management experience, including 3+ years supporting People & Culture initiatives
- PMP®, PRINCE2®, or equivalent project management certification (preferred)
- Experience working with enterprise HRIS platforms and advanced People & Culture technologies
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and project management tools such as Jira or Asana
- Demonstrated ability to engage stakeholders, influence outcomes, and drive cross‑functional alignment
- Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills with excellent attention to detail
- This position follows a hybrid work model. Team members based in Ottawa will work on-site as part of a hybrid schedule. For candidates located outside Ottawa, periodic travel to Ottawa will be required.
Nice to haves
- Experience in operations, management, or consulting
- Familiarity with business management software and data analytics tools
- Background supporting governance processes or continuous improvement frameworks
- Experience working in a global, matrixed environment
- Knowledge of organizational development or talent management practices
- Exposure to agile methodologies or digital transformation initiatives
- Ability to adapt approaches based on changing priorities and business needs
Pay Range
The annual pay range for this position is $ 74,200 – $ 118,600
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to get relevant job alerts straight to your inbox.
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.
