Senior Operations Program Manager

About the role

The Senior Operations Program Manager drives the successful execution of critical manufacturing and operational initiatives supporting LightForce's continued growth and production scale-up. This role leads a diverse portfolio of projects and programs, ranging from targeted operational improvements to complex, large-scale manufacturing expansions.

Working across Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Finance, and other functions, this individual translates business priorities into executable plans, aligns resources, resolves obstacles, and drives programs to successful completion. The ideal candidate combines strong operational and business acumen with hands-on program leadership and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Execution: Lead multiple concurrent manufacturing and operational projects of varying size and complexity, ensuring successful delivery against scope, schedule, budget, quality, and business objectives.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive alignment, decisions, and accountability across functional teams, effectively influencing stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
• Manufacturing Scale-Up: Lead initiatives supporting capacity expansion, equipment installations, automation, process improvements, production readiness, and operational infrastructure.
• Planning & Prioritization: Develop integrated plans, establish critical paths, identify resource requirements, and manage competing priorities to meet business commitments.
• Problem-Solving & Risk Management: Anticipate risks, challenge assumptions, resolve complex issues, and drive timely decisions and corrective actions to maintain program momentum.
• Business & Financial Management: Evaluate operational trade-offs, manage program budgets, and ensure initiatives deliver measurable improvements in capacity, cost, quality, efficiency, and performance.
• Stakeholder Communication: Provide clear, concise updates to leadership on program status, key milestones, risks, and decisions required, ensuring transparency and timely escalation.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 8+ years of experience in operations program management, manufacturing, engineering, or related environments, with a demonstrated track record of delivering complex programs.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and the challenges associated with scaling production.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent programs, balance competing priorities, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive accountability without direct authority.
• Strong business acumen, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate technical and operational trade-offs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including experience presenting program status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, medical devices, or other high-growth manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading manufacturing capacity expansions, equipment implementation, process changes, or operational transformation programs.
• Familiarity with ERP, project management systems, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent project management and continuous improvement experience.

Perks

• PTO/Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401k Retirement plan
• Fringe benefits
• Paid parental leave
• Workplace perks such as food/coffee

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liabilities.