Senior Director, Manufacturing North America Region (NAR)

Lightera•Norcross, GA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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”

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred.
Demonstrated experience in fiber, cable, connectivity, or complex industrial manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement expertise preferred.
Proficient with MS Office Suite knowledge and skills; Planview experience preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.