For decades, we have carried the beacon of innovation, leading industries, communities, and individuals into a brighter era.

Now, we have brought together all this knowledge and expertise to provide complete solutions for communication networks, connecting businesses and people. Today, we are one: Lightera.

The creation of Lightera reflects our commitment to meeting the rapidly evolving demands of industries such as generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing. Through advanced optical technologies, we build brighter, more connected communities with innovative solutions.

Step into the future of smart connectivity. Visit us at lightera.com.

Industry: Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Lightera

Savvy Admin PROD

**Position Summary**

The Senior Director of Manufacturing is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall performance, growth, and modernization of fiber, cable, and connectivity manufacturing operations in North America. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple plants, ensuring world‑class safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people development outcomes.

The position leads manufacturing strategy execution, capacity expansion, and operational excellence while driving Industry 4.0 and AI‑enabled manufacturing initiatives to improve cost structure, throughput, and product quality. Safety is the top priority, embedded in all decisions, behaviors, and systems.

This position is a hybrid position requiring on-site attendance a minimum of two days/week and is located in Norcross, GA, with travel to Carrollton, GA.

**Essential Duties & Responsibilities**

**Safety & Culture**

- Establish and sustain a zero‑incident safety culture, making safety the first priority in all manufacturing activities and leadership behaviors.

- Working with local leadership teams, ensure full compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations across all sites.

- Provide guidance through periodic review of site safety plans, incident investigations, process safety capabilities, resources, and environmental compliance.

**Manufacturing Leadership & Operations**

- Provide end‑to‑end leadership for fiber, cable, and connectivity manufacturing plants, ensuring consistent execution of operational standards, and efficient flow from plant to plant.

- Drive excellence in cost, quality, delivery, yield, and productivity across all manufacturing operations by coaching plant leadership, ensuring successful continuous improvement systems, and effective quality management systems.

- Ensure robust production planning, capacity management, and operational readiness to support customer demand and growth.

**Growth & Expansion**

- Champion manufacturing expansion and capacity growth plans, including new lines, facilities, and technology investments.

- Partner with supply chain, Product Line Managers, R&D, and commercial teams to support new product introductions and scaling of advanced technologies.

- Develop long‑range manufacturing strategies aligned with regional and corporate business objectives.

**Financial & Budget Management**

- Own manufacturing operating and capital budgets across all sites.

- Drive cost reduction initiatives through operational excellence, automation, digitalization, and waste elimination.

- Evaluate and prioritize capital investments to maximize return, scalability, and strategic value.

**Industry 4.0 & AI‑Enabled Manufacturing**

- Champion Industry 4.0, automation, data analytics, and AI applications across manufacturing operations.

- Leverage digital twins, advanced process control, predictive maintenance, and AI‑driven quality systems.

- Coach leaders and factory teams to translate data and insights into measurable improvements in cost, yield, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

**People & Organizational Leadership**

- Build, lead, and develop high‑performing manufacturing leadership teams across multiple locations.

- Establish clear accountability, performance metrics, and succession plans for key manufacturing roles.

- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and talent development.

**Quality & Continuous Improvement**

- Ensure world‑class quality systems and disciplined problem‑solving across all manufacturing operations

- Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and structured continuous improvement methodologies to deliver sustainable results.

- Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required travel < 25% both domestic and international.

**Required Qualifications And Experience**

- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related degree. Masters degree preferred.

- 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including multi‑site responsibility and 2+ years experience in a global matrixed manufacturing organization.

- Demonstrated experience in fiber, cable, connectivity, or complex industrial manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

- Proven track record leading large‑scale operations, capital expansions, and cost‑reduction initiatives.

**Technical & Leadership Competencies**

- Deep understanding of modern manufacturing systems, automation, and digital manufacturing technologies.

- Experience implementing Industry 4.0 and AI‑driven manufacturing solutions

- Strong financial acumen with experience managing large operating and capital budgets.

- Exceptional people leadership skills with a focus on team building and talent development.

- Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement expertise preferred.

**Leadership Attributes**

- Safety first mindset with visible, hands-on leadership presence.

- Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.

- Data driven decision-maker with the ability to simplify complexity.

- Collaborative leader who drives alignment across functions and regions.

- High integrity, accountability, and results orientation.

**General Expectations**

- Excellent and effective communications (verbal, written) skills

- Proficient with MS Office Suite knowledge and skills; Planview experience preferred.

- Excellent analytical and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize

- Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information

- Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures

- Exhibit all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct”

Senior Director, Manufacturing North America Region (NAR)

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