Team Leader
Apply now »Date: Oct 28, 2025
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 71596
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 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. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
Role Purpose
The HCP Team Leader will have supervisory responsibility for cable operations, overseeing 50 hourly associates and 4 operations coordinators. This role will manage process oversight in Ribboning, IPOT, Buffering, Jacketing, Final QC processes, and periodic warehouse interactions. The HCP Team Leader will play a critical role in establishing and maintaining cultural norms for the operation, emphasizing work practices, environmental cleanliness, and compliance with policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Leadership:
Ensure tasks are completed safely, adhering to procedures and PPE requirements.
Promote a safety-first culture by observing practices, addressing hazards, and encouraging proactive reporting.
Maintain a safe environment for employees and visitors.
Production Oversight:
Develop and implement production activities to achieve quality, cost, and delivery goals.
Optimize schedules, staffing, and machine assignments for efficient product flow.
Uphold world-class housekeeping and 5S standards.
Lead teams to drive quality improvements, cost reductions, inventory management, and on-time shipments.
Utilize capacity models to address bottlenecks and refine production planning.
Ensure compliance with ISO standards.
Team Development:
Collaborate with trainers to enhance employee performance and accountability.
Foster an engaging work environment, rewarding high performance.
Promote open communication and encourage process improvement initiatives (e.g., kaizen).
Develop training plans for continual employee growth.
Cost Management:
Manage cost drivers to achieve high output and low operating costs.
Continuous Improvement:
Lead staffing or product flow improvement projects, supporting Lean initiatives.
Participate in Continuous Improvement Teams to optimize plant operations.
Identify inefficiencies, implement process improvements, and resolve issues.
Travel Requirements: Minimal travel (<5%), occasional visits to nearby facilities. | Night Shift (2-2-3): 7:00pm to 7:00am
Experiences/Education - Required
- Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering preferred) or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
- 2+ years of work experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and computer skills.
- Ability to thrive in a time-sensitive, fast-paced environment with frequent changes.
Experiences/Education - Desired
- Degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or Physical Sciences.
- 2+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage all levels of the plant organization.
- Proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $79,166.00 - $108,854.00 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, 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.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.
Nearest Major Market: Hickory