Project Manager

Position Summary

The Project Manager will be part of the Lightera emerging PMO organization supporting the execution of high-priority corporate initiatives, including large-scale Global CAPEX programs across manufacturing, fiber, and technology-enabled operations. This role will manage complex cross-functional and cross-regional projects including execution, reporting, risk tracking, stakeholder coordination, and implementation activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with initiative owners, business leaders, and regional stakeholders to define solutions, implementation strategies, and execution roadmaps
• Support the execution of large-scale Global CAPEX initiatives and strategic transformation programs across regions and business units
• Drive project governance, delivery predictability, risk mitigation, and executive reporting cadence for high-priority initiatives in manufacturing
• Deploy improvement plans with strong change management principles to deliver sustainable operational and financial results
• Establish and standardize project management tools, methodologies, governance processes, and best practices across functional teams and regions
• Lead multiple concurrent projects with strong prioritization based on project complexity and risk, not solely geography
• Develop and monitor KPIs, project dashboards, benchmarks, and reporting metrics to improve transparency and decision-making
• Sequence and prioritize initiatives aligned to senior leadership strategy and organizational objectives
• Build innovation partnerships and strategic initiatives involving new technologies, materials, capabilities, and manufacturing solutions
• Build relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support sourcing, evaluation, and implementation of new ideas and capabilities
• Influence senior leadership to support project prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making
• Develop and support capital planning activities tied to strategic initiatives and operational investments
• Coach and mentor junior team members, initiative owners, and project stakeholders to improve project execution capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA Preferred
• 5-10 years as a project manager in operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or related environments
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma principles, process improvement methodologies, and operational excellence tools within manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience in manufacturing environments related to telecommunication, fiber optic, and cable preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools like Microsoft Project, Planview, etc., and approved AI tools
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Experience with project tracking, reporting, and implementation support
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

General Expectations

• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Adhere to all aspects of Lightera’s Standards of Conduct
• Operate effectively within a global, matrixed organization with diverse stakeholders and priorities