Total Rewards Manager

Total Rewards Manager

Norcross, GA

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Total Rewards Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and Continuous improvement of the organization’s total rewards programs to ensure internal equity, external competitiveness, and compliance with all applicable regulations. This role requires strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to translate data into actionable insights and recommendations that support business objectives, enhance employee experience, and drive a pay-for-performance culture. This role ensures programs are competitive, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s business strategy, workforce needs, and talent objectives. This role reports directly to the Senior Director, North America, Specialty Solutions, and Global Human Resources. This position is a hybrid role and located in Norcross, GA.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred (e.g., MBA or MS in HR Management).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in compensation and benefits or total rewards roles.
• Strong proficiency with Excel, HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG, SAP), and market pricing tools (e.g., Aon, WTW, Mercer, Comp Analyst).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, model outcomes, and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Experience in a matrixed, multi-state manufacturing environment preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses)

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and/or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification a plus.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compensation & Incentives

• Design, implement, and manage salary structures, job architecture, and market pricing aligned with internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Lead annual compensation processes, including merit, bonus, incentive, and equity programs aligned with budget and performance goals.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking and analysis using market survey data and internal analytics.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and leadership on pay decisions, promotions, and off-cycle adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local pay regulations, including pay equity and transparency requirements.
• Partner with Finance and HR leadership to model compensation scenarios, analyze trends, and prepare executive summaries for decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with pay transparency, FLSA classification, and state/federal wage laws.
• Support annual merit, bonus, and incentive cycle processes, including data validation and reporting.
• Responsible for rewards and recognition programs to ensure compliance with company policies.

• Oversee health, welfare, and retirement benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and wellness initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness and employee value.
• Partner with brokers and vendors to evaluate plan design, renewals, and market competitiveness.
• Analyze claims data and cost trends to identify opportunities for improvement in cost management, wellness, and employee satisfaction.
• Partners with benefits administration, including open enrollment, employee communications, and compliance (HIPAA, ERISA, ACA, COBRA, etc.).
• Collaborate with Payroll, HR, and HRIS teams to ensure accurate data flow between systems and vendors.

• Leverage HR and financial data to provide insights and recommendations to leadership on compensation, benefits, and workforce trends.
• Partner with HRIS to develop dashboards and reporting tools to track key metrics such as compa-ratios, turnover, benefits utilization, and total rewards ROI.
• Partner with HRIS to develop and maintain total rewards dashboards, cost models, and reporting for leadership.
• Monitor trends in benefits utilization, compensation spend, and workforce outcomes
• Support audits, regulatory filings, and plan documentation.
• Ensure programs align with company policies, CBAs (where applicable), and governance standards.
• Lead or support strategic initiatives such as total rewards redesigns, or HR technology implementations.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to compensation and benefits.
• Prepare documentation for audits, filings, and required disclosures (e.g., 5500, ACA, 408(b)(2), etc.).
• Ensure adherence to company policies, internal controls, and data privacy requirements.

Additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• High attention to detail with a compliance mindset and data accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking and business acumen with hands-on execution.
• Ability to create comprehensive project plans and communication plans to execute key initiatives in compensation and benefits.
• Strong project management and vendor relationship management skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence across functions.
• Ability to travel < 10%.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
• Proficient with MS Office Suite
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
• Exhibit Lightera “Standards of Conduct”

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation, and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan.

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 worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

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 plan) for this position

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

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.

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.