Plant Manager

Requisition Number: 73283

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, and automotive 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 

Position Summary

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for a complex manufacturing facility, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations while delivering business results aligned with Corning’s values. This role is accountable for driving operational excellence, developing high‑performing teams, and leading continuous improvement, innovation, and growth in a technically advanced manufacturing environment.

This position may be used to build a pipeline of external Plant Manager talent for current and future manufacturing leadership opportunities across Corning’s Northeast operations. Placement timing and location will vary based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate visible, accountable leadership for safety, health, and environmental (SHE) compliance, fostering a zero‑harm culture.
• Ensure all operations comply with regulatory, corporate, and site‑specific SHE requirements.
• Develop and execute operating plans that achieve safety, quality, cost, delivery, and growth objectives.
• Lead manufacturing and engineering programs while balancing cost, resources, risk, and technical complexity.
• Drive continuous improvement and step‑change performance through disciplined operating systems and standard work.
• Ensure readiness and capability of new products, processes, and development programs transitioned into production.
• Partner with division, business, and corporate leadership to support manufacturing and commercial strategies.
• Provide forward‑looking leadership to ensure long‑term sustainability, reliability, and competitiveness of plant operations.
• Champion and sponsor key corporate and division initiatives, including digital manufacturing and operational transformation.
• Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing leadership team and workforce.
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning consistent with Corning Values.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of growing, developing, and placing talent to support succession and organizational capability.
• Champion innovation in product, process, and manufacturing technology.
• Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, and community stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Represent Corning as a positive corporate citizen in the communities in which we operate.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Significant leadership experience (typically 10+ years) in manufacturing, production, engineering, or supply chain environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing organizations through continuous improvement, cultural evolution, and performance transformation.
• Experience building and leading cohesive leadership teams and fostering strong cross‑functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated leadership leveraging digital manufacturing systems (e.g., MES, ERP) and data stewardship to improve predictability, execution, and decision‑making.
• Proven ability to establish disciplined operating rhythms, schedule adherence, and governance in high‑mix and/or technically complex environments.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and deploying talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Travel may be required, typically no more than 10-15% annually.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, engineering, or a related discipline (e.g., MBA).
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations in growth environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead culture evolution during periods of growth, change, or transformation.
• Experience in semiconductor or other capital‑intensive, technically complex manufacturing environments.
• Broad manufacturing and/or engineering leadership experience across multiple stages of the product life cycle, including new product introductions, growth, maturity, and/or turnaround situations.

Location & Mobility

• This role supports manufacturing operations across the U.S. Northeast.
• Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate are preferred; relocation assistance may be provided based on business needs.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $160,000.00 - $253,000.00 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.  

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.