Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Manager's are responsible for leading manufacturing operations within the Draw and Post Draw Departments, ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of fiber optic products while meeting customer, business, and operational objectives. This role drives manufacturing performance through optimization of throughput, yield, labor productivity, equipment uptime, and overall operational effectiveness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate's degree in engineering, business, or manufacturing management required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

3+ years in manufacturing leadership in progressive roles; 5+ years in a manufacturing environment

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

• Six-sigma Green/Black Belt Certification and Lean Certification a plus
• Knowledge of Fiber Optic Industry desirable
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and problem resolution skills
• SAP Experience preferred
• Proficient in MS Office Excel, Word and Power Point; Acute ability to understand and use data for continuous improvement.
• Experience working in a labor union manufacturing facility desirable

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive departmental KPIs including safety, quality, OEE(Overall Equipment Effectiveness), throughput, yield, scrap, downtime labor efficiency, cost performance, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and execute sustainable solutions and strategies to improve operational performance through Lean Manufacturing, data-driven decision-making, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, regulatory, and company policies while fostering a culture of operational discipline and accountability.
• Partner with EH&S, HR, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to improve equipment reliability, resolve process and quality issues through structured root-cause analysis, and align production plans with customer demand and business priorities.
• Develop production staffing plans, training programs, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
• Manage departmental operating costs, optimizing resource utilization, and supporting budget objectives while maintaining service, quality, and delivery commitments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Requires strong leadership, technical expertise in fiber optic manufacturing processes, and the ability to translate operational data into actionable strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and overall business performance.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence cross-functional partners, and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced 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
• Conform to all aspects of Lightera "Standards of Conduct" document