Position Summary:
Responsible for the operation of the SFO, shipping & production control department in Norcross, GA which includes fulfilling production demand, cost management, supply chain, logistics, and production scheduling. Consistently lead the operation in a safe and efficient manner. Manage, direct, coordinate and evaluate staff in engineering, quality, materials, manufacturing, and safety.
This role is an on-site position is located in Norcross, GA.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead, promote and improve safety program for operation. Observe and promote facility safety procedures and culture
- Develop and execute production, shipping, and inventory control plans (machine allocation, staff, etc.)
- Using process knowledge and understanding of product-level cost structure, provide lead times for new business opportunities and RFQs.
- Engage in SIOP process to ensure alignment of sales demand with material availability and production capacity.
- Lead execution of capital investment projects and continuous improvement programs; including Gemba, Kaizen and 5S initiatives.
- Responsible for improving product yield, production efficiency and OTD.
- Manage inventory to optimize stocking levels while meeting customer demand.
- Key resource in the specification and implementation of advanced product scheduling and MES software.
Minimal travel and other duties and projects assigned.
Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to lead safety programs and improve culture.
- Results driven initiative-taker with the ability to work in a high performance-manufacturing environment.
- Ability to manage multiple, complex tasks with excellent diligence.
- Ability to motivate, communicate and lead continuous improvement and good manufacturing practices. Demonstrated ability to apply lean manufacturing principles.
- Excellent analytical abilities.
- Demonstrated talent leadership and development skill.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Prominent level of leadership and planning skills
- Good understanding of business principles, practices, and ability to apply them.
Qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience in leading manufacturing operations.
- Union experience is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Master’s Degree or MBA is a plus.
- Proven skill and demonstrated application of lean in a manufacturing environment.
General Expectations:
- Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
- Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel
- Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
- Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
- Exhibit all aspects of Lightera “Standards of Conduct”
- 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 employee with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
- Observe and promote facility safety procedures and culture
Skills Required
- At least 10 years of experience leading manufacturing operations
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- Proven skill and demonstrated application of lean manufacturing principles
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Word and Excel
- Union experience
- Master's degree or MBA
Lightera Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lightera and has not been reviewed or approved by Lightera.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered okay‑to‑good in many hourly manufacturing roles, aided by overtime opportunities and union‑linked increases in some plants. Some hourly titles benchmark near or above market in specific locations.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is consistently highlighted, with multiple references to a strong employer contribution. This support is positioned as part of a competitive total rewards package.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are described as solid and mainstream. Some locations also reference on‑site or supplemental health resources and tax‑advantaged accounts.
Lightera Insights
What We Do
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, a Furukawa Electric Group company. 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.







