Email jobs to me

Workforce Development Leader

Apply now »

Date: Mar 25, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 73832

 

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.  

 

Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose

The Workforce Development Leader is responsible for designing, facilitating, and managing ongoing training and skill development methods to both the manufacturing and leadership populations for the plant. Delivers assessments and works proactively with plant leadership to understand new training needs to accomplish plant objectives and measures.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develops a strong understanding of plant processes to better support the manufacturing workforce and improve training strategies.
  • Collaborates with operations, warehousing, maintenance, and other plant functions to identify hiring, onboarding, and retention opportunities.
  • Creates innovative career‑broadening solutions for salaried employees in environments with limited transition options.
  • Builds strong employee relationships through regular visibility on the manufacturing floor and ongoing engagement with frontline supervisors and coordinators.
  • Serves as a liaison between Operations and HR to support hiring, onboarding, and talent retention efforts.
  • Uses assessments—including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and manager consultations—to identify development needs and growth opportunities.
  • Participates in meetings, seminars, and professional organizations to stay current on manufacturing and employee development best practices.
  • Designs, plans, and oversees orientation and training programs for employees.
  • Continuously improves training materials, procedures, and resources through redesigns, updates, and the integration of industry best practices.
  • Delivers training using diverse instructional methods, such as role‑playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.
  • Develops and implements programs that improve key performance measures, including productivity, efficiency, and lean practices.
  • Conducts departmental gap assessments and builds project plans to address gaps and define training needs across the plant.
  • Collaborates effectively with other Workforce Development Leaders on shared training initiatives and projects.
  • Ensures timely and professional communication with staff and internal customers.
  • Promotes a culture of continuous learning to encourage active employee participation in development opportunities.
  • Serves as GTC for the plant.

Experiences/Education - Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of training experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience leading teams.
  • Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams.
  • Ability to initiate and manage multiple tasks and projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
  • Strong time‑management and organizational skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate credibility.
  • Proven leadership skills, including the ability to develop strategies that align with plant goals and business needs.
  • Experience in team development.
  • Ability to facilitate small and large group training sessions.

Experiences/Education - Desired

  • Knowledge of Microsoft 365 Tools and Applications (SharePoint, Teams, etc.)
  • Self-starter

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

 


The range for this position is $79,832.00 - $109,769.00 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.

 

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 accommodations@corning.com.


Nearest Major Market: Hickory

Apply now »