Front-End Area Manager

Qnity Electronics, Inc.; Newark, Northern (DE, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Qnity Electronics, Inc. in Newark, Delaware seeks a Front-End Area Manager to lead safe, reliable front-end manufacturing operations on site.

You will translate site strategy into actionable improvements, develop high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement with Lean methods. Reporting to the site leadership, you will partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to meet safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets while fostering accountability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in manufacturing leadership with P&L or ops impact.
• Previous people management experience.
• Record of driving performance improvements in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-end manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain to execute production plans and improve asset performance.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team of Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Front-Line Supervisors.
• Be a visible hands-on leader promoting ownership, discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Drive Operational Excellence using Lean, 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, and daily management systems.
• Reduce safety risks, downtime, waste, and recurring issues with corrective actions.
• Use data and metrics to identify opportunities and deliver measurable results.
• Manage staffing to meet production and customer commitments.
• Champion change management and adoption of new processes and systems.
• Support site financials by managing costs and budgeting initiatives.
• Build cross-functional partnerships aligning daily operations with business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Change management

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Green Belt

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

Qnity is seeking a highly skilled Front-End Area Manager to lead in our Newark, Delaware site. This is a key member of the leadership team responsible for leading safe, reliable, and efficient front-end manufacturing operations. This role serves as a visible, hands-on leader and change agent who drives operational performance, develops high-performing teams, and champions continuous improvement initiatives.

The Front-End Area Manager partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance teams to achieve business objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence. This leader translates site strategy into sustainable operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.

This position is 100% onsite reporting to our Newark, DE facility. Candidates who currently reside within a daily commutable distance will be given priority.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this opportunity.

What You'll Do

• Lead safe, reliable, and compliant front-end manufacturing operations, driving performance across safety, quality, environmental compliance, production, yield, throughput, cost, and schedule attainment.
• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance teams to execute production plans, improve asset performance, and achieve site objectives.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team of Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Front-Line Supervisors through coaching, mentoring, accountability, workforce development, and employee engagement.
• Serve as a visible and hands-on leader, promoting a culture of ownership, operational discipline, continuous improvement, and proactive problem-solving.
• Drive Operational Excellence initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and daily management systems.
• Lead efforts to reduce safety risks, unplanned downtime, waste, and recurring process or equipment issues while implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Utilize data, digital tools, and performance metrics to identify opportunities, prioritize improvements, and deliver measurable business results.
• Manage resources effectively to ensure adequate staffing, safe execution of work, and achievement of production and customer commitments.
• Champion change management initiatives, challenging the status quo and driving adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Support site financial performance by managing operating costs, improving productivity, optimizing manufacturing economics, and contributing to budget planning and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment of daily operations with broader business objectives, customer needs, and long-term growth strategies.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing, process technology, engineering, maintenance, or operations leadership experience.
• Previous people leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading change and driving measurable performance improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience managing safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience within chemical processing, specialty materials, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or continuous process industries.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher certification.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and large-scale operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of reliability, maintenance, and asset management principles.
• Knowledge of Operational Excellence systems and continuous improvement methodologies.