Associate, People Services

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.

At Ciena, we are committed to delivering a positive employee experience and fostering a culture of excellence. As a key member of the North America People Connect team, this role is pivotal in ensuring seamless HR operations, employee engagement, and compliance across the Americas (US, Canada, and CALA). We are seeking a skilled and proactive HR professional who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This role requires a presence onsite at the Ciena campus in Hanover, Maryland three days per week.

How You Will Contribute:

• Provide HR support and consultation to employees and managers on company policies, employee relations, annual programs, and employment law queries.
• Partner with Centers of Excellence (Talent Acquisition, Legal, Compensation, Benefits, L&D, Global Mobility, HRIS, Internal Communications) to drive positive employee experience outcomes.
• Manage seamless candidate and new hire experiences, including onboarding, background checks, and post-hire check-ins in collaboration with Talent Acquisition.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners such as Payroll, Legal, Facilities, and IT to ensure smooth onboarding, separation, and other key actions.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation and provide Workday support for employees and managers.
• Participate in audits and ensure adherence to HR compliance standards.
• Drive initiatives, recommend solutions, and implement processes to enhance HR operations and team engagement.

The Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in a Human Resources role, ideally within a multinational company.
• Operational experience with ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP, or Workday.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across all levels of a global organization.
• Professionalism, ethical judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, "can-do" attitude and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in developing and promoting self-service HR solutions (Tier 0).
• Familiarity with HR compliance and audit processes.
• Background in employee engagement initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building skills with an international outlook.
• Experience in driving process improvement and implementing new HR tools.
• Knowledge of employment law across the Americas.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Pay Range: $52, 400 - $83, 600 USD

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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 anEqual 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.