Senior Associate, People Services (P&C Hub)

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.

How you will contribute:

· Manage biweekly payroll-linked funding for HSA, FSA, 401(k), DCPP, Deferred Compensation, and DCP Commission using advanced Excel models and automated checks.

· Prepare, validate, and submit global monthly pension funding (APJ, CALA, EMEA) with strong process accuracy and audit controls.

· Administer ESPP cycles, including eligibility audits, enrollment management, purchase reconciliation, and employee communication workflows.

· Support RSU deferral processing, quarterly audits, and maintenance of data files across Schwab and E*TRADE systems.

· Execute quarterly compliance audits (401k elections, address/email validation, system access checks) using automated/semi-automated tools.

· Complete country-specific compliance filings, including Canada DCPP Form 7 and executive benefits continuation.

· Manage visa expiration tracking and RTW compliance checks; run credit check audits and background verification pre-screens.

· Maintain and update People & Culture policies, collaborating with COEs for periodic reviews.

· Build and maintain reporting dashboards, audit files, and reconciliation templates using advanced Excel and automation.

· Contribute to process automation and optimization, creating and maintaining Excel-based VBA macros and supporting RPA workflows.

· Partner with payroll, accounting, legal, compliance, internal communications, and external vendors to support seamless process execution.

Required Skills –

· Advanced Excel capability: Pivot tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query, data modeling.

· Ability to build and maintain VBA macros for process automation.

· Hands-on experience with RPA tools.

· Strong data management, reconciliation, and audit-based analytical capabilities.

· Strong communication skills and stakeholder management across global teams.

Must Haves –

· Proven experience in benefits administration, payroll-linked processes, or people operations.

· Expertise in data-driven operations and working with financial/benefit calculations.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple critical deadlines with accuracy.

· Comfort working late evenings to support global operations and cutoffs.

· High attention to detail, especially in compliance-driven processes.

Assets –

· Experience in global benefits management (APJ, CALA, EMEA).

· Exposure to equity programs like ESPP and RSU processing.

· Background in automation-led process transformation.

· Experience working with HRIS platforms, especially Workday.

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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 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.