Program Manager

About the role

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions. We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT to support continued business growth. The Program Manager will plan and manage programs for new product development or product revisions, process improvements, or other business purposes with cross-functional teams based in the Avon facility as well as other Lightera locations.

Responsibilities

• Plan new projects and programs, including product development, process development or cost reduction, capital implementation, etc.
• Prepare gate reviews in collaboration with marketing or business development.
• Manage projects and programs. This includes:
  • Leading and documenting cross-functional team activities from planning through execution.
  • Monitor and manage scope, risk, schedule, cost, and technical performance.
  • Plan for and obtain required resources, including prioritizing staffing resources and capital expenditures.
  • Act as the program champion and communicate program progress and problems to management.
  • Track product and program changes. Focus resources on resolving program issues and eliminating roadblocks when appropriate.
  • Maintain documentation of project activities in accordance with quality system procedures.
  • Understand and adhere to internal and external quality system procedures as applicable.
  • Provide guidance to the project team on the quality system if needed.
  • Collaborate with procurement and engineering to establish program supply chain.
  • Monitor supplier delivery commitments and manage effects on project schedule.
  • Identify internal and external customer needs to help align Lightera programs with the strategic direction of the business. May include aiding in the negotiation of contracts and contractual changes.
  • Prepare proposals, plans, specifications, and financial conditions of contract.
  • Where appropriate, write program CERs and manage costs to meet the CER budget.
  • Improve the program management process by capturing lessons learned from each program and institutionalizing best practices.
  • Resolve conflicts as they arise both within your team and among key stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.
  • Conduct difficult conversations, such as discussing resource overloading, or killing a project that no longer provides value.

  Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in a technical field with 5-15 years of program management expertise across the full product life cycle within a phase-gate development process.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-location scale-ups and complex technology transfers.
  • Demonstrated leadership in facilitating and motivating a cross-functional team.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan activities towards a goal in a logical sequence.
  • Basic business finance awareness (ability to review a product cost model, ability to understand project cash flow).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Project strongly preferred.
  • PMP Certification preferred.
  • Experience working under ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or AS9100 quality system.
  • Experience interfacing with outside customers.
  • Excellent attention to detail.