Project Manager

Project Manager-Norcross, GA

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 and responsibilities include partnering with initiative owners, business leaders, and regional stakeholders to define solutions, implementation strategies, and execution roadmaps; supporting the execution of large-scale Global CAPEX initiatives and strategic transformation programs across regions and business units; driving project governance, delivery predictability, risk mitigation, and executive reporting cadence for high-priority initiatives in manufacturing; deploying improvement plans with strong change management principles to deliver sustainable operational and financial results; establishing and standardizing project management tools, methodologies, governance processes, and best practices across functional teams and regions; leading multiple concurrent projects with strong prioritization based on project complexity and risk, not solely geography; developing and monitoring KPIs, project dashboards, benchmarks, and reporting metrics to improve transparency and decision-making; sequencing and prioritizing initiatives aligned to senior leadership strategy and organizational objectives; supporting innovation partnerships and strategic initiatives involving new technologies, materials, capabilities, and manufacturing solutions; building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to support sourcing, evaluation, and implementation of new ideas and capabilities; influencing senior leadership to support project prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making; developing and supporting capital planning activities tied to strategic initiatives and operational investments; coaching and mentoring junior team members, initiative owners, and project stakeholders to improve project execution capabilities; and other duties as assigned by manager. Travel up to 25% is required.

Qualifications include a 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; and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

General expectations include demonstrating effective verbal and written communication skills; maintaining discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information; strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures; adherence to all aspects of Lightera's Standards of Conduct; operating effectively within a global, matrixed organization with diverse stakeholders and priorities; and a hybrid work environment with periodic travel up to 25% to manufacturing sites, regional offices, and strategic project locations as required.