Optical Controller Network Manager

This Product Line Manager role sits at the intersection of software innovation and optical networking, shaping market-leading SDN controller platform applications-an opportunity to join a winning team and help make client's hardware portfolio easier to design, deploy, and optimize for customers, Services teams, and pre-Sales organizations. Client is looking for a PLM who knows how to win-combining customer obsession, strong execution, and a can-do attitude.

How you will make an impact:

• Drive product strategy and roadmap execution for SDN controller platform applications, with a focus on network planning, operations, and optimization capabilities.
• Translate customer needs, market insights, and technology trends into clear, prioritized product requirements.
• Lead initiatives across Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) and Network Digital Twin technologies to improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner closely with R&D, Hardware, Navigator development, sales, and support teams to deliver differentiated, high-quality software releases.
• Enable successful go-to-market execution through customer engagement, sales training, and technical presentations.
• Represent the product line externally at industry events while maintaining deep awareness of competitive dynamics and emerging trends.
• Use product performance metrics and customer feedback to continuously refine features and user experience.

The must haves:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in product management or technical roles within the networking industry.
• Deep expertise in IP and optical transport technologies and network planning processes.
• Proven experience leading Telco software applications from concept through market adoption.
• Strong background in Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps), network design, and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with agile software development teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions.

Nice to haves:

• Experience supporting pre-Sales and Services workflows in a global service provider environment.
• Ability to leverage AI agents to augment product line management output (e.g., competitive analysis, requirements drafting, prioritization, and stakeholder communications).
• Familiarity with Network Digital Twin concepts and implementations.
• Experience growing product adoption and increasing market share through data-driven decision making.
• Prior customer-facing experience delivering technical workshops or executive-level presentations.
• Exposure to large-scale, multi-vendor network environments.