SVP, Global IT

Lightera; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightera, headquartered in Norcross, GA, seeks a Senior VP of Global IT to set the strategic direction for IT initiatives, align investments with business goals, and lead global infrastructure, security, and governance. The role reports to the CEO and requires up to 30% travel.

You will drive digital transformation, ERP implementations, risk management, vendor governance, budgeting, and talent development across worldwide teams, with emphasis on security, resilience, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field; MBA preferred.
• 20+ years in IT management with at least 10 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record leading global large-scale IT initiatives (digital transformation, ERP).
• Strong governance, risk, and security expertise; budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for IT initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Oversee global IT infrastructure, systems, and policies; governance and compliance.
• Lead digital transformation and major ERP implementations.
• Manage IT budgets, vendors, and service providers; optimize costs.
• Develop IT talent, mentor leaders, and build succession plans.
• Collaborate with executives to drive data-driven decision making.
• Ensure business continuity, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Present IT initiatives and progress to the board and CEO.

Skills

Strategic IT leadership

Digital transformation

IT governance & security

Budgeting & cost management

Vendor management

Team leadership & development

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Business alignment

Education

Bachelor’s in IT/CS/Business

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

CISSP/CISM/CGEIT/CISA

PMP/CSM/PSM

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, creating technologies that help the world communicate, compute, connect, and grow. From communications networks and data centers to advanced industrial and specialty applications, our teams develop solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more resilient connections around the world.

The name Lightera combines “light” and “era” to represent a new era of connectivity made possible by light. It reflects our roots in fiber optics and our ambition to help shape a brighter, more connected future.

At Lightera, we are creating brighter connections through innovation, expertise, and collaboration. Our principles, We Lead, We Learn, and We Care, guide how we work, solve problems, support one another, and serve our customers. Lightera is committed to safety of our employees and the communities where we operate.

Working at Lightera

Joining Lightera means working alongside people solving complex challenges in optical communications and connectivity. We offer opportunities to contribute, learn, develop your expertise, and help create technologies that connect people, businesses, and communities around the world. In addition, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan.

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, Lightera operates globally, serving customers across communications, data center, industrial, medical, aerospace, defense, and other advanced technology markets. Lightera is part of the Furukawa Electric Group

Senior VP of Global IT

Remote-r equires up to 30% travel both internationally and domestically.

Position Summary:

Senior Vice President of Global IT is responsible for providing strategic leadership and vision for the company's Information Technology (IT) initiatives. This person will oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the company's global IT infrastructure, systems, and policies, ensuring that technology investments align with the company’s objectives and drive business growth. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• 20+ years of experience in IT management or a related field, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of leading global large-scale IT initiatives, including digital transformation, ERP implementation, or similar projects.

Technology certifications may include any of the following: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, etc.

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the corporate executive leadership team to develop critical strategic business imperatives that require IT management.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the organization's short-term and long-term strategic business objectives.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and innovation.
• Steer the organization's vision for ongoing digital evolution to enhance the overall strategy for data management.
• Remain informed about emerging technologies and trends to ensure the company remains competitive.
• Proactive and regular engagement with business sector leaders to remain abreast of issues that may have future impact.
• Lead the implementation of key strategic priorities such as digitization, innovation, improved performance, and security for the benefit of customers and stakeholders.
• Dedicate time formulating business strategies that stimulate expansion and growth.

IT Governance and Compliance:

• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data security, privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Oversee risk management strategies related to IT operations, including cybersecurity measures and disaster recovery plans.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the IT department's budget, ensuring cost-effective technology investments.
• Oversee the selection and management of IT vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Optimize the allocation of resources to achieve business objectives within budget constraints.
• Invest in future technological advances that will positively affect global business outcomes.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global IT team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Encourage professional development and training opportunities for IT staff to stay current with industry advancements.
• Develop IT successors for future business operations.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they meet business needs, timelines, and budgetary requirements.
• Ensure an appropriate application environment throughout the organization to promote overall business efficiency.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify technology needs and opportunities for process improvement.

Business Continuity:

• Ensure the reliability and availability of IT systems and services, minimizing downtime and disruptions to business operations.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans to safeguard critical IT assets.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as a key liaison between IT and other business units, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Present IT initiatives, progress, and results to the executive team and board of directors.
• Other duties as assigned and role requires up to 30% travel both internationally and domestically.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging technologies and their potential impact on the business.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent people leadership skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align technology initiatives with business goals.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and optimizing costs.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and best practices.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Exhibit all of Lightera “Standards of Conduct”

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 plans) for this positionb

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

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

Location(s)

6305 Crescent Drive, Norcross , Georgia 30071 , United States

Position Type

Full-time

Employee Class

Regular Employee