Director, Global Trade - Import

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 Director, Global Trade / Import, will play a critical role in ensuring the company’s ability to move products efficiently across borders while maintaining the highest standards of compliance. This role will combine deep expertise in global trade with a strong focus on operational execution, supporting business growth, market access, and the seamless flow of goods through effective import programs.

Reporting to the Sr Director, Head of Global Trade, this position will be responsible for developing and executing global import initiatives that align trade compliance requirements with business objectives. The Director will partner closely with stakeholders across supply chain, legal, finance, procurement, and other key functions to anticipate regulatory changes, implement practical solutions, and identify opportunities for tariff mitigation and operational efficiencies.

This position requires a professional who can build and manage robust import programs while fostering collaboration across geographies and functions. The ideal candidate will be adept at translating complex trade requirements into clear, actionable guidance, ensuring both regulatory adherence and the creation of measurable business value.

This position may be performed fully remotely or at one of Ciena’s office locations in the United States.

Responsibilities

Operational Execution & Program Management

Own and continuously improve the global import program, including policy deployment, controls, broker management, and reporting. Lead elements of program and project management from concept through implementation, ensuring solutions are scalable, integrated, and aligned with business priorities. Oversee operational ownership of customs classification, country of origin determination, valuation processes, free-trade agreement qualifications, and recordkeeping standards across geographies.

Global Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with supply chain, logistics, procurement, tax, legal, and IT to embed trade requirements into business processes and strategic initiatives. Provide actionable guidance to operational teams and deliver clear, business-relevant insights to leadership. Partner with stakeholders to identify and implement tariff mitigation strategies, duty recovery programs, and other trade optimization initiatives. Build relationships that drive alignment, collaboration, and shared accountability across the organization.

Regulatory Knowledge & Risk Management

Monitor and interpret global import regulations, providing proactive, risk-aware guidance to the business. Anticipate regulatory shifts and translate them into operational plans that safeguard compliance and minimize disruption. Lead efforts to resolve customs inquiries, audits, and operational risks while supporting risk-based due diligence and internal controls tied to customs clearance processes and global goods movement.

Reporting & Analytics

Develop and maintain import metrics dashboards, including tracking import volumes, savings initiatives (e.g., duty drawback or FTAs), tariff impacts, and customs broker performance. Use data insights to drive accountability and improve trade operations performance globally. Present findings in a way that aligns with the needs of various functional stakeholders—distilling technical compliance data into actionable business insights for supply chain, finance, legal, and executive leadership audiences.

Broker, Vendor & Government Engagement

Manage relationships with customs brokers and service providers. Establish and maintain performance standards and KPIs for customs operations and third-party partners, including formal RFPs, scorecards, and continuous improvement plans. Act as liaison with customs authorities and government agencies globally, responding to inquiries and coordinating filings, rulings, or licenses as needed.

Training, Policy & Continuous Improvement

Develop import compliance policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines. Create and deliver training to internal teams to promote compliance culture and awareness. Identify opportunities for automation, system enhancement, and process efficiency, and support the deployment of trade technology solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, supply chain, business, or related field r