Global Project Management Leader

The Project Management Leader is responsible for leading and overseeing complex, cross-functional projects within a global manufacturing environment.  These projects may include new product/solution introductions, expansions, transfers, IT projects and others, while ensuring on-time completion and within budget.  This role will provide guidance and support to team members and project teams around the globe while ensuring that projects align with our corporate objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation in manufacturing processes. This position will implement project management frameworks that support our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or related field or a combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in project management in the manufacturing sector, preferably in a global matrix organization.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes in a matrixed organization.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proven experience in project management, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
• Ability to analyze multiple forms of data and metrics to keep projects on track and within budget.
• Proven ability to structure business cases including, but not limited to, assessing ROI, payback period, risk evaluation, and mitigation strategies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Global Project Oversight

• Responsible for managing projects and the day-to-day activities of various projects, ensuring alignment with business initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, getting desired results directly and through influence.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale projects across global manufacturing operations.

Planning and Coordination

• Develop and oversee project management activities across departmental lines to ensure on-time and within-budget job completion.
• Analyze data and metrics to ensure applicable cost savings, return on investment, and time reductions are met according to plan.
• Manage budget for individual projects, team budget, and resources.

Best Practices Implementation

• Establish and maintain project management methodologies, processes, and system usage for projects on a global scale.
• Provide guidance and share learnings with others to ensure alignment with company strategies and future goals.
• Conduct project reviews to assess outcomes and lessons learned and share with stakeholders.

Stakeholder Communication

• Interact with project stakeholders, managing communication to keep all parties informed and engaged throughout the project life cycle.
• Create and implement communication avenues for information sharing and project updates.
• Proactively communicate challenges, timelines, and needed resources.    

Documentation and Reporting

• Create and maintain documentation cadence and records for reporting and audit purposes.
• Report updates to senior management on a regular basis.

Leadership

• Transfer knowledge of project management skills informally and collaborate with other departments to ensure deep project management skills throughout the organization.
• Understanding and thrive with cross-cultural teams and global manufacturing challenges.

Additional duties as assigned.  

The role requires working hybrid from our Norcross or Carrollton office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Experience in a global, multi-site manufacturing matrixed environment.
• Financial acumen related to manufacturing and project management.
• Strategic planning and decision making in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Change management resiliency and agility to multi-task.
• Critical thinking to ensure data-driven decision making.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Travel (<25%) required, both domestic and internationally.
• Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and project management software.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information.
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures.
• Exhibit Lightera “Standards of Conduct.