Handler Announces Plant Manager/General Manager search for Lightera
ATLANTA, GA. – July 15, 2026
We are pleased to announce Handler’s launch of a search for a Plant Manager/General Manager for one of our premier clients, Lightera. The position is based in Norcross, Georgia.
The General Manager will play a critical role in leading one of Lightera’s most important manufacturing operations, with responsibility for all operational aspects of the Norcross facility, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, EH&S, and human resources. This leader will drive performance, safety, engineering, quality, supply chain, and people initiatives while ensuring the efficient operation of a highly technical, 24/7 union manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate will bring proven operational leadership experience within a large-scale, complex manufacturing environment, along with a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, lead organizational change, and develop high-performing teams.
The Successful candidates will possess:
- Proven General Manager, Plant Manager, or equivalent leadership experience within a large-scale, complex manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility for organizations of 300+ employees.
- Strong engineering and technical aptitude, with the ability to lead highly technical organizations and effectively partner with engineering teams.
- Experience leading within a union manufacturing environment, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and drive employee engagement across all levels of the organization.
- Proven success implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience leading significant capital investments, large-scale projects, and transformational business initiatives.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, analyzing performance metrics, and driving operational results.
- A track record of developing high-performing leadership teams and successfully leading organizations through growth and change.
Education Requirement — Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline required. An MBA or advanced technical degree is preferred.
Next steps:
- To learn more, listen to our audio
- Qualified and interested/Refer a Colleague/Learn more about the search, contact our Sr. Search Consultant, Christi Howard
We look forward to hearing from you.
