Operations Department Head

Operations Department Head

Date: Apr 24, 2026

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85353

Company: Corning

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 710 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.

Working Conditions: Works primarily in a production floor environment, which may include standing for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. May be required to work after hours and on weekends or holidays. This position does not support immigration sponsorship. 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.

A job that shapes a life. 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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay. 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.

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. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.