OVD Manufacturing Supervisor

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.

OVD Manufacturing Supervisor

Norcross, GA

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible as production supervisor for the startup and continuation of all operational aspects of the new OVD facility including effective and successful management of labor, productivity, training, quality control, safety measures, and documentation.  Establish the OVD Operations Department and prepare it for long-term success.  Hire and supervise the activities of manufacturing personnel engaged in all facets of the manufacturing function. Becomes a process expert to facilitate the high-quality training and detailed practices required for an efficient startup.  Work with other teams to create and fill a departmental document management system including Technical design, Quality, and Safety.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED: 

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or manufacturing management preferred

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Manufacturing leadership experience; 5 years in a manufacturing environment

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications)

• Six-sigma and Lean Certifications
• Knowledge of Fiber Optic Industry desirable
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and problem resolution skills
• SAP Experience
• Proficient in MS Office Excel, Word and Power Point; Acute ability to understand and use data for continuous improvement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides management and guidance to direct reports, typically comprising manufacturing associates and team leaders
• Ensures clarity around priorities and goals for the manufacturing associates
• Guides the talent identification, training, and development processes for Supervisors and their respective teams
• Works across functions with peers in other groups to ensure collaboration for shared goals
• Interacts with Norcross departments and other senior management for reporting
• Ensures (directly and via Leads) that all scheduled equipment is in acceptable operational condition prior to the manufacture of any product and reports all non-compliances to Maintenance Management; subsequently will ensure that staffing and machine assignments are reflective of trained personnel
• Scheduling personnel to ensure maximization of daily labor costs in accordance with all production scheduling requirements
• Ensure that all daily, weekly and monthly TPM, 6S Audits and Standard work are fulfilled on time and as expected

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Process knowledge – in a broad sense if not product specific
• Communication skills both written and verbal and both upward and downward in organizational chain
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to provide alternative solutions when needed
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Integrity/Honesty: Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Demonstrates consistency in words and actions
• Resilience: Deals with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks
• Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interest of the organization. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks
• Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to changing conditions or unexpected challenges
• Team Building: Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
• Customer Service: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established systems and policies
• Decisiveness: Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions
• Human Capital Management: Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Continuously top grades management team

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.