Senior Project Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Project Manager will be part of the Lightera emerging Global PMO organization focused on leading and strengthening execution of high-priority corporate initiatives, including large-scale Global CAPEX programs across manufacturing, fiber, and technology-enabled operations.

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 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
• 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
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) certification preferred
• 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
• Demonstrated experience driving execution, governance, and change management for complex initiatives
• Ability to work autonomously to identify insights, assess risks, and develop data-driven recommendations
• Experience translating strategic opportunities into actionable implementation plans
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence senior leadership and build alignment across a global matrix organization
• Demonstrated coaching and leadership capabilities to develop teams and drive accountability

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

Work Environment

A hybrid work environment with periodic travel up to 25% to manufacturing sites, regional offices, and strategic project locations as required. Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation, and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan. Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Matching 401(k) Plan

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications. Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.