As a Sales Account Manager – Optical Networking, you will own and grow key ( global) hyperscaler accounts in the India region, while leveraging your technical acumen to position advanced Optical Pluggable and Subsystem solutions. You will act as a trusted advisor to customers, aligning their network evolution with Nokia’s technology roadmap, and driving opportunities from early engagement through closure.
This role requires a unique blend of sales leadership, technical depth, and strategic influence, working cross-functionally with Product Line Management (PLM), R&D, and global sales teams to shape solutions, influence customer decisions, and deliver business outcomes.
ResponsibilitiesAccount Ownership & Growth : Own and drive revenue growth across assigned hyperscaler accounts within the Optical Networking portfolio. Develop and execute account strategies to expand Nokia’s footprint in Optical Pluggables and Subsystems. Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities while managing long-term customer relationships.
Technical Solution Selling : Leverage deep technical expertise to position differentiated optical solutions aligned with customer architecture and roadmap. Engage directly with customer technical and business decision-makers to influence solution selection and RFx outcomes. Translate complex technical capabilities into clear business value, including TCO and scalability advantages.
Customer Engagement & Influence: Build trusted advisor relationships with key stakeholders across engineering, procurement, and executive levels. Lead high-impact presentations, workshops, and technical discussions to articulate Nokia’s value proposition. Influence customer requirements and standards to align with Nokia’s strengths.
Strategic Collaboration :Work closely with PLM, R&D, and standards teams to align customer needs with product roadmap and innovation priorities. Collaborate with regional and global sales teams, including MOFN (Managed Optical Fiber Network) initiatives, to drive large-scale opportunities. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to define winning strategies, pricing approaches, and competitive positioning.
Business Development & Market Expansion: Drive new market opportunities within hyperscaler and cloud segments. Position Nokia as a leader in next-generation optical technologies and architectures. Contribute to go-to-market strategies and ecosystem engagement.
Technical Advocacy & Content Development: Develop and deliver high-quality technical collateral, including white papers, solution briefs, and customer presentations. Provide structured feedback to PLM based on customer insights and market trends. Support network design discussions and solution architectures using industry tools.
Operational Excellence: Manage multiple opportunities across accounts with competing priorities in a dynamic environment. Ensure accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and deal progression.
You have:
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 10-12 years of extensive relevant experience in the semiconductor, photonics, or optical communications industry, with a focus on selling complex technical products to Hyperscalers and optical module manufacturers.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
Photonics Knowledge: Deep understanding of photonics components, optical modules, optical interconnects, and related technologies. Experience with high-speed optical communication systems, coherent DSP and optics and deep understanding of optical system overall performance.
Driving Technical Strategy at Hyperscalers: Combines profound professional expertise with a holistic sense for the business and commercial environment, and contributes to shaping solution or solution architecture strategy in the early phase of opportunity development within the area of expertise, in order to achieve business objectives. Develops long-term partnerships with key customers based on thought leadership, and acts as technical authority to create long-term business impact.
Customer-Centric: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with customers at all levels, from technical engineers to C-suite executives both externally and internally.
Entrepreneurial mindset: Results-driven approach and the ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving market.
Problem Solver: Solves highly complex technical risks (EG solution roadmap availability) with mitigation plans and innovative solutions which generate broad impact on business.
Travel: Willingness to travel up to 40% to meet customers, attend industry events, and engage with potential clients.
Nice to have:
Expertise in the Hyperscale ecosystem including high-performance computing markets and an understanding of Artificial Intelligence networking requirements.
Hyperscaler subsea segment experience including previous support on subsea cable trials and commissioning
Familiarity with optical industry standards (e.g., OIF, IEEE, ITU).
Strong network of industry contacts and established relationships with key players in the photonics, data center, and telecom sectors.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes
- A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
- Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
- Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
- Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
- Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
- Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
- A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond
