Director, Strategic Transactions
Mission
This is a newly created, high-impact role in Ciena’s Legal Department. This role will have the opportunity to help shape how Ciena structures, coordinates and executes diverse strategic transactions globally.
Responsibilities
Partner closely with Chief Strategy Office and Legal leadership across all stages of acquisition transactions, including non-disclosure agreements, term sheets and letters of intent, deal structuring, running deal processes, drafting and negotiating definitive documents, closing deals and supporting integration and post-closing matters
Lead legal due diligence processes and coordinate with other functions to communicate findings, risks and recommended solutions to stakeholders
Play a key communication and coordination role across diverse functions and levels to complete transactions
Develop strategies and tools to drive continuous improvements in deal processes and execution, including by utilizing AI
Support the corporate venture capital program and investments, including management of related outside counsel relationships and engagements
Develop legal strategies and efficient processes to coordinate and oversee such investments and ongoing portfolio management
Play a leading role in negotiating and drafting of strategic commercial and technology transactions and partnerships
Aid the broader Legal Department and Chief Strategy Officer on other high priority tasks and other corporate or transactional matters
Requirements
5+ years of legal experience in M&A, with a preference for strategic acquisition transactions and some in-house experience or outside counsel work that includes a recurring buy-side relationship with an acquisitive client
Experience independently negotiating and running complex strategic transactions
Ability to think creatively, function independently and work proactively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated growth mindset and strong initiative—ambitious, adaptable, and willing to take ownership and tackle unfamiliar challenges with confidence
Excellent legal and business judgment, attention to detail and proven capacity to tackle complicated problems
Strong process orientation with a passion for continuous improvement and strong comfort with the use of AI and other technologies to support transactions
Team player with willingness to adapt and support the diverse needs of a dynamic legal department
Effective communicator with stakeholders and executives
Qualifications
Familiarity with our industry or high technology markets
Public company exposure and familiarity with securities law
Antitrust/Competition law familiarity and experience coordinating filings, merger control strategies or document production
Commercial contracting experience with transactions involving development, purchase or sale or license of emerging technology
Post closing integration experience, planning and coordinating contract novations, assignments, transition services and other post-closing mechanics
Skills
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Collaboration and teamwork
Adaptability and flexibility
Attention to detail
Communication and interpersonal skills
Benefits
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
Equal Opportunity Employer
Compliance with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence
Pay
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.