Production Manager

Production Manager

** Date:
** Jul 29, 2026

*
* Location:

** Hickory, NC, US, 28601

** Company:
** Corning

Requisition Number: 76249

** The company built on breakthroughs. ​ *
* ** Join us.​ *
* Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.  ​ 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​ 

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​  

​Come break through with us. 

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.

This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

** Role Purpose*
* The Production Manager leads a manufacturing operations department to achieve performance objectives in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role provides both strategic and day-to-day leadership to production teams, ensuring operational excellence, workforce capability, and alignment with plant and business priorities.

** Key Responsibilities*
* + Lead department operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets

+ Foster and maintain a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and company standards

+ Provide leadership and direction to production teams and supervisors, including coaching, performance management, and development

+ Plan and allocate labor, equipment, and materials to meet production demand and operational priorities

+ Monitor and improve equipment and process performance, including uptime, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness

+ Lead resolution of operational issues through data-driven problem solving and cross-functional collaboration

+ Support new product introduction, equipment installation, and start-up activities to ensure successful transition into manufacturing

+ Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction

+ Manage departmental budgets, spending, and resource utilization to meet financial and operational targets

+ Communicate operational performance, priorities, and risks to plant leadership and key stakeholders

+ Ensure workforce readiness, staffing alignment, and capability development to meet current and future business needs

** Experiences/Education - Required*
* + Bachelor's degree required;
Engineering or technical discipline preferred

+ Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations experience

+ Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

+ Demonstrated leadership in manufacturing operations with a strong focus on safety and performance

+ Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams while delivering results

+ Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills using data and operational metrics

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

+ Effective verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization

+ Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills

** Experiences/Education - Desired*
* + Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience

+ Experience supporting new product introduction, equipment start-up, or process transfers into manufacturing

+ Exposure to multiple equipment platforms or…