Front-End Area Manager

Qnity is seeking a highly skilled Front-End Area Manager to lead in our Newark, Delaware site. This is a key member of the leadership team responsible for leading safe, reliable, and efficient front-end manufacturing operations. This role serves as a visible, hands-on leader and change agent who drives operational performance, develops high-performing teams, and champions continuous improvement initiatives.

The Front-End Area Manager partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance teams to achieve business objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence. This leader translates site strategy into sustainable operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.

This position is 100% onsite reporting to our Newark, DE facility. Candidates who currently reside within a daily commutable distance will be given priority.

Please note:

Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this opportunity.

• Lead safe, reliable, and compliant front-end manufacturing operations, driving performance across safety, quality, environmental compliance, production, yield, throughput, cost, and schedule attainment.
• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance teams to execute production plans, improve asset performance, and achieve site objectives.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team of Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Front-Line Supervisors through coaching, mentoring, accountability, workforce development, and employee engagement.
• Serve as a visible and hands-on leader, promoting a culture of ownership, operational discipline, continuous improvement, and proactive problem-solving.
• Drive Operational Excellence initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and daily management systems.
• Lead efforts to reduce safety risks, unplanned downtime, waste, and recurring process or equipment issues while implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Utilize data, digital tools, and performance metrics to identify opportunities, prioritize improvements, and deliver measurable business results.
• Manage resources effectively to ensure adequate staffing, safe execution of work, and achievement of production and customer commitments.
• Champion change management initiatives, challenging the status quo and driving adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Support site financial performance by managing operating costs, improving productivity, optimizing manufacturing economics, and contributing to budget planning and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment of daily operations with broader business objectives, customer needs, and long-term growth strategies.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing, process technology, engineering, maintenance, or operations leadership experience.
• Previous people leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading change and driving measurable performance improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience managing safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance metrics.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with in chemical processing, specialty materials, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or continuous process industries.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher certification.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and large-scale operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of reliability, maintenance, and asset management principles.
• Knowledge of Operational Excellence systems and continuous improvement methodologies.