Associate Production Manager

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. Our Optical Communications segment provides industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry, including carrier network and enterprise network product groups.

About the role

The Associate Production Manager will support manufacturing operations departments 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. It is designed to develop an individual for a future Department Head role, offering a broadening opportunity to lead critical plantwide projects focused on labor optimization, new technology receivership, and capacity expansions.

Location: Concord, NC or Wilmington, NC

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale projects, process improvements, and support functional departments plantwide
• Support 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
• Support planning and allocate labor, equipment, and materials to meet production demand and operational priorities
• 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
• Communicate operational performance, priorities, and risks to plant leadership and key stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering or technical discipline preferred
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations experience
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

Skills

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 manufacturing processes
• 8 years of manufacturing or operations experience
• 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

Leadership Competencies

• Coaching and talent development
• Accountability and performance management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Conflict resolution and decision-making

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Pay

The range for this position is $120,797.00 - $166,096.00 assuming full-time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results
• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan (total contributions can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on age and years of service)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid parental leave and family building support
• Fitness benefits
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Disease management programs
• Paid time off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions