Project Manager

Lightera; Norcross (GA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightera is seeking a Project Manager to join its emerging PMO in Norcross, GA, supporting high-priority corporate initiatives and global CAPEX programs across manufacturing, fiber, and technology-enabled operations.

You will coordinate cross-functional and cross-regional teams, drive governance, dashboards, risk tracking, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring on-time execution and value delivery. This hybrid role requires travel up to 25% and strong PM capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field; MBA preferred
• 5–10 years as a project manager in operations, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or related environments
• PMP certification required
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, process improvement methodologies, and operational excellence tools
• Experience in manufacturing environments related to telecommunication, fiber optic, and cable preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and project management tools like MS Project, Planview, etc., and approved AI tools
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills

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
• Support 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
• Other duties as assigned by manager
• Travel up to 25%

Skills

PMP certification

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

Planview

AI tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Composing the core of a brighter world

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cutting‑edge optical technologies

Project Manager-Norcross, GA

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
• Support 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
• Other duties as assigned by manager
• Travel up to 25%

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
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Experience with project tracking, reporting, and implementation support
• Ability 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT – HYBRID

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.

Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

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.