Senior Manager Continuous Improvement

Job Description Composing the core of a brighter world 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.

Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cutting‑edge optical technologies.

Responsible for building and leading Lightera’s RTF Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing program and Operational Excellence journey for operations in the North American Region (NAR).  As part of our RTF framework, this role drives the implementation Lean Six Sigma initiatives and improvement projects that enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance

Primary Responsibilities Build a high performing Continuous Improvement team . Recruit, hire and Train RTF Blackbelts as direct reports, located in Carrollton & Norcross.  Lead BBs in completing 4 projects per year.

Develop Greenbelt Training & Certification Program through Learning to Lean- develop plan & budget for program. Lead process to identify, propose and promote "top talent” into green belt certification program.

Partner with Director and plant managers to prioritize and assign projects. Monitor KPIs and drive improvement projects to achieve business targets.  Coordinate, and as necessary, conduct Kaizen events and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) workshops.
Partner with plant leadership to establish a culture of operational excellence.
Identify and execute productivity and cost optimization opportunities.

Personally lead two high impact, high visibility improvement projects sponsored by SVP of NAR region. This is an annual requirement. Responsible for leading entire project portfolio for NAR, including brainstorming/planning sessions. Lead leadership review cadences and develop report out templates.  Manage approval for all new projects and closures.
Drive use of Planview (project tracking system).  Leverage BBs as PV experts & coaches. Manage SGA (hourly CI program). Partner with plant managers to identify opportunities, coach supervisors and train teams.  Ensure teams are progressing towards targets.
This is a hybrid position with time split between Carrollton, GA, and Norcross, GA and remote.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
7+ years in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement. 3+ years in a Continuous Improvement leadership role. Significant and demonstrated experience with:
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping,

Preferred Qualifications:

Engineering degree. MBA or advanced engineering degree

Master Black Belt Certification 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…