Sr Director, Head of Global Trade

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

The Head of Global Trade is a new role in the Legal Department and will be responsible for designing a comprehensive global trade compliance strategy and implementing related programs. The Head of Global Trade will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with international trade regulations while aligning with the company’s strategic goals and expanding addressable market. The Head of Global Trade will be a strategic business advisor, engaging heavily with cross-functional leaders and translating dynamic trade-related developments into business insights that inform decision-making on technology, go-to-market and supply chain initiatives. Working with Ciena’s Government Relations team, the Head of Global Trade will also monitor and support Ciena advocacy related to regulatory and policy developments.
 

Our new Head of Global Trade will be empowered to design an optimal organizational and resourcing model that supports the program’s strategy and goals. This role will have global responsibility for coordinating all aspects of trade compliance and will coordinate and direct the work of existing trade compliance operations professionals as necessary to advance the program.
 

This role will be part of a top-notch, collegial, global legal team and will work closely with executives and functional leaders globally. This position may be performed fully remotely or at one of Ciena’s North American office locations and reports to Ciena’s V.P. & Deputy General Counsel.
 

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Engagement: The Head of Global Trade will serve as a trusted business partner to leadership, providing critical insights on trade-related developments to shape Ciena’s supply chain strategies, technology evolution, go to market models and market expansion opportunities. The role will proactively promote awareness of trade-related risks and opportunities, and will work closely with business partners to translate these considerations into strategic and operational decisions by leadership.
 

Regulatory Knowledge & Program Management of Trade Compliance Operations. The role requires anticipating and interpreting evolving regulatory and geopolitical trends to provide proactive, risk-aware advice to business leaders, ensuring Ciena stays ahead of such changes globally. This role will also coordinate and direct key programming and control environment elements within trade compliance operations, including technology classification, license management and systems-based controls. The role will be expected to collaborate with business functions to integrate trade compliance requirements into key business processes.
 

Risk Management: The Head of Global Trade will lead efforts in identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating trade-related risks. This includes developing risk mitigation strategies and practices related to systems, markets, business partners and commercial and contractual governance. The role will oversee contract review escalations, coordinate responses to customer inquiries, coordinate due diligence practices and manage trade related considerations for entering new geographies.
 

Policies, Processes & Training: The Head of Global Trade will oversee the development and dissemination of trade-related policies and procedures. This includes leading internal communication,

training, and initiatives to promote awareness across the organization. The role will also be responsible for effectively communicating program updates to key functional stakeholders to maintain alignment with business and trade compliance objectives.
 

Government Engagement & Advocacy: The Head of Global Trade will participate in advocacy efforts and interface with government entities on rule and policymaking initiatives. This role will collaborate with Ciena Government Relations and participate in government consultations, collaborate with trade associations, and foster external collaboration with industry groups and advisors to stay aligned with regulatory developments. The Head of Global Trade will also lead engagement with regulatory agencies on enforcement and compliance matters.
 

Continuous Improvement & Best Practices: The Head of Global Trade will monitor best practices, streamline processes, and enhance tools to promote continuous improvement and adherence to new regulatory and business initiatives. This role will report on compliance activities, using KPIs or other metrics to measure effectiveness. This role wi