Operations Department Head

Requisition Number: 74067

 

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 Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be a part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers. 

 

Role Purpose

The Production Operations Department Head oversees all aspects of the assigned production area and end‑to‑end solar panel manufacturing operations. This role leads and develops a large, multi‑shift production team, ensuring employees have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to perform safely and effectively. The position owns production planning and execution, drives a strong safety and quality culture, and establishes, monitors, and improves key performance indicators (KPIs) across the production floor. Through data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement, the role optimizes efficiency, cost, quality, and throughput to achieve business and profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning and Scheduling: Develop and execute production plans and schedules to meet demand, maximize throughput, and achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
  
• Team Management: Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing leaders and hourly teams; ensure staffing, training, and performance management support safe and reliable operations.
• KPI Ownership: Establish, track, and drive improvement of key performance indicators including safety, quality, yield, uptime, scrap, labor efficiency, and output.
  
• Quality Control: Establish and maintain quality standards for all products, ensuring adherence to specifications and industry best practices.
  
• Process Improvement: Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase operational stability.
• Cost Management: Manage budgets, costs, and resources effectively to optimize production processes and minimize expenses.
  
• Safety and Compliance: Own safety performance for the production area, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards.
  
• Communication and Collaboration: Effectively communicate with other departments (e.g., sales, engineering, logistics) to coordinate production and meet customer needs.
  
• Technical Expertise: Apply current industry best practices and emerging technologies to improve manufacturing performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
  
• Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in a high‑volume manufacturing or production environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi‑shift manufacturing teams.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
• Proven ability to use production data and KPIs to drive operational decisions.
• Experience in production planning and scheduling.
  
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and standards.
  
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment.
  
• Familiarity with safety regulations and compliance requirements.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.