Sustainability Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and highly self‑motivated Sustainability Specialist to join the Lightera Global Sustainability team. This position reports to the Global Sustainability Leader and will play a key role in advancing sustainability initiatives across the North American region, working in close coordination with counterparts in other regions. Key responsibilities include the collection, validation, and management of Environment, social, and governance (ESG) data; coordination of customer ESG inquiries in collaboration with relevant internal departments; and periodic visits to North American facilities to review processes, support ongoing initiatives, identify opportunities for improvement, and promote knowledge‑sharing across sites.

The ideal candidate will be a well‑rounded sustainability professional with demonstrated experience and a strong foundational understanding of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol methodologies. The successful candidate will also be proactive, effective in managing diverse stakeholders, and capable of communicating complex information clearly and professionally.

This position is a hybrid role requiring on-site attendance a minimum of two days/week and is located in Norcross GA. Additional attendance may be required based on business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sustainability Strategy

• Interact with Lightera sites in North America to collect environmental data and understand how we might ensure our strategy is translated into tangible data progress.
• Support ESG queries from customers and set up a systematic approach to streamline this process going forward.
• Coordinating with local EHS and sustainability leads on local initiatives and progress.
• Write or support articles and written content through internal and external communications.

Adaptability & Problem-Solving

• Self-driven and comfortable at stakeholder management
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities
• Identify bottlenecks early (e.g., approvals, missing inputs) and propose solutions to keep work moving.
• Ability to see both the bigger picture and diving into the details.
• Curiosity and a willingness to understand complexity.
• Is open to and experienced in integrating the use of various AI tools in daily tasks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work effectively with all other ESG stakeholders within EHS, Risk Management & Legal, Marketing and Communication, HR, and Supply Chain ensuring coordination and accuracy of information and data
• Experience working with global and regional stakeholders, with the ability to coordinate priorities, manage expectations, and communicate across time zones.
• Communicate clearly in speech and writing.
• Consistently coordinate across regions to prevent silos.
• Demonstrate experience supporting ESG data collection, validation, verification, and reporting in alignment with recognized frameworks.
• Familiarity with developing, implementing, and managing sustainability initiatives, programs, and projects across multiple sites or functions.
• Proven ability to prepare clear, accurate, and accessible written materials, including sustainability reports, briefs, or articles on ESG‑related topics.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural, functional, and technical backgrounds.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and a structured approach to managing complex information.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Travel <25% required, both domestic and internationally
• Other duties and projects as assigned

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

• Master's degree in sustainability, environmental science, ESG or related field (or a bachelor's degree and equivalent experience). 3+ years of experience in a sustainability and ESG, or a similar role.
• Specific courses/certifications achieved within LCA or GHG protocol or similar standards are preferred and should be uploaded with the application.
• Experience from or knowledge about optical fiber or similar manufacturing industry is a plus.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Understanding of basic LCA methodologies and knowledge of LCA tools.
• Principle understanding of GHG protocol and principles behind reporting.
• Knowledge of Environment Product Declarations (EPDs).
• General understanding of environmental impacts types, severity and mitigations.
• Knowledge of specialized environmental sciences is a plus.
• Understanding of the various areas within ES and G and how trade-offs will be required in most cases.
• Insistence on a data driven approach to evaluate priorities.
• Excellent writing and communication skills with strong attention to detail and focus on the recipients technical background.
• Ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, relevant unambiguous messages.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; confident working across functions and levels
• Proficient with tools and platforms such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong mathematical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent multi-tasking capabilities while meeting deadlines with accuracy.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information.
• Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures.
• Exhibits Lightera's “Standards of Conduct”.