Manager, Division Manufacturing Technical Capabilities

Manager, Division Manufacturing Technical Capabilities

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. 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.

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.

Role Purpose: Build and elevate our technical workforce across our fiber manufacturing operations. The Division Manufacturing Technical Capabilities Manager will own the end-to-end technical talent lifecyclefrom recruiting and pipeline programs (co-op/apprentice) to world-class training, troubleshooting tool deployment, and retention strategies. This role requires coordination with multiple internal functions (HR, Work Force Development, Operations, and Engineering) across multiple plants and external vendors such as community colleges, schools and career fairs. The ideal candidate blends strong technical acumen with data-driven talent practices and thrives on creating scalable systems that raise capability at the operator, technician, and front-line supervisor levels. This role is intended to help grow the individual for key manufacturing and business leadership positions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit & Hire: Build a high-performing technical recruiting network (universities, trade schools, military, industry associations, niche platforms). Define and govern hiring and promotion standards for operators, technicians, and engineers. Oversee Co-op/Apprenticeship programs: design, selection, rotations, evaluation, and conversion. Partner with Talent Acquisition to enable recruiting teams with toolkits, scorecards, and structured interviewing.
• Develop & Enable Capability: Define and implement world-class training curricula, digital libraries of knowledge, and troubleshooting tools (with a focus on operators, technicians, and engineers) to drive performance improvements. Leverage Digital tools to assist with issue identification, troubleshooting processes, and technical gap identification, feeding into technician development roadmaps. Ensure technical issues are increasingly resolved at the lowest effective level; monitor skill application and close-the-loop learning.
• Coach & Lead Plant Leaders: Each plant will have Technical Capabilities Leaders dotted line to this Division Manufacturing Technical Capabilities Manager role. Coach and develop each of these leaders; build a community of practice across plants to share best practices, standards, and assets. Lead cross-functional teams (Ops, Engineering, HR, WFD) to execute department training improvements and technical capability initiatives.
• Program & Change Management: Own systems and processes for the Operators and Technicians Programs: governance, documentation, cadence, and continuous updates. Actively document processes; implement change management for ongoing modifications and version control. Manage communications and regular updates to leadership and key stakeholders on progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Retention, Outcomes & Continuous Improvement: Verify that programs meet organizational retention goals; partner on root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions. Build and maintain a sustainability plan, including metrics, dashboards, and governance to ensure long-term adoption and impact. Be the driver of technical talent progression across the Division.

Travel Requirements: Time in both NA fiber plants is critical, percent of time in each plant will adjust based on priorities (~25%)

Hours of work/work schedule/flextime: Monday-Friday. Overtime is not uncommon and is expected at times, however the amount and duration will vary as a function of business needs

Required Qualifications: Four-year degree w/Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent preferred 5+ years of hands-on leadership experience in manufacturing Experience developing and implementing strategy in a complex operations environment Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority Demonstrated success building or scaling technical training programs and capability frameworks Excellent coaching, facilitation, and cross-functional leadership skills. Strong analytical skills and proficiency with performance measurement tools and dashboards Self-motivated, proactive, and able to act with minimal supervision while using sound judgment and handling confidential information. Strong project management capability; able to build plans, manage dependencies, and deliver outcomes. Technical capability with experience with PCPD (Process Control/Process Discipline), PEX, or MEE methodologies preferred. Understanding of digital manufacturing/Industry 4.0 tools and passion to learn more about available options for advancement in technical training, issue identification, and resolution. Operator-Centric Mindset: Builds practical tools for the floor; measures application, not just completion

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $116,625.00 - $160,360.00 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.

Corning offers you the total package. Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one. Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win. As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service. Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment.