Director, Global Trade - EMEA & APAC

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.

Director, Global Trade EMEA & APAC

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape and advance Ciena’s global trade compliance strategy across the EMEA and APAC regions. The Director will drive operational excellence by ensuring regulatory adherence, enabling business growth, and fostering collaboration across multiple functions. This role requires a self-starter and strategic thinker who can balance compliance obligations with business priorities while building relationships with regional teams and external stakeholders. The Director will influence local operations, guide adoption of systems and processes, and ensure Ciena remains agile, compliant, and future-ready in a dynamic global trade environment.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive regional trade compliance strategy and execution across EMEA and APAC, ensuring alignment with global corporate standards and adherence to customs and export regulations.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with logistics, legal, finance, supply chain, and commercial teams to implement scalable compliance programs tailored to regional needs.
• Oversee customs and export operations, including licensing, in-country registrations, free trade agreements, and duty optimization activities.
• Provide subject matter expertise on customs classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and trade agreement qualifications.
• Identify, influence, and mitigate trade-related risks while monitoring geopolitical and regulatory developments to minimize disruption.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training programs that strengthen compliance awareness and accountability across EMEA and APAC.
• Guide enhancements and regional adoption of trade compliance systems, enabling automation, process optimization, and operational control.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives using KPIs and industry best practices to enhance program performance and operational efficiency.

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, supply chain, business, law, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience managing trade compliance programs across EMEA and/or APAC, with direct responsibility for customs operations, licensing, and regulatory adherence.
• Expertise in customs regulations, EU dual-use requirements, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), import/export licensing, and duty optimization strategies.
• Proven success managing complex multi-regional projects with diverse stakeholders and influencing local operations to adopt compliance initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of customs classification, valuation, country of origin rules, and trade agreement qualifications.
• Experience with trade compliance systems such as Oracle Global Trade Management (GTM) or similar platforms.
• Fluency in English.

Nice to haves:

• Industry certifications such as Licensed Customs Broker or Certified Export Specialist.
• Additional language skills relevant to EMEA or APAC regions.
• Experience working with regulatory authorities and external consultants on audits, inquiries, or operational challenges.
• Background in deploying automation and scalable solutions within trade compliance systems.
• Familiarity with telecom or high‑tech industry environments. #LI-ST1

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.