Melting Manager

SCHOTT AG; Duryea (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits including medical, eye

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Supplemental benefits

Job summary

SCHOTT AG in Duryea, PA, is seeking a seasoned manufacturing leader to direct all raw glass production operations, including melting, annealing, batch house and etching. You will act as the technical authority for glass melting technologies and drive safety, quality and productivity.

The role emphasizes team development, lean execution, capacity planning, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality and HR to meet customer requirements and business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5-10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a process-driven environment.
• Experience leading technical manufacturing operations, process control, continuous improvement, and production optimization.
• Fluent English communication, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all raw glass manufacturing operations, including melting, annealing, batch house, and etching processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for glass melting technologies and drive improvements.
• Plan, optimize workforce utilization, equipment capacity, workflows, and facility layouts to improve productivity and lead times.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Procurement, Maintenance, Quality and other functions to meet customer requirements and production objectives.
• Establish KPIs for safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost; drive Lean initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Manage cost estimates, budgets, staffing plans, and production forecasts to support business goals.
• Foster a high-performing, accountable team environment and effective labor relations.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security requirements and oversee safety culture.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Process control

Continuous improvement

Project management

Team leadership

Budgeting

Cost control

KPI management

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Manufacturing software

Data analysis tools

Job description

SCHOTT Advanced Optics is a valuable partner for developing products and customized solutions for applications in optics, astronomy, opto-electronics, augmented reality, life sciences, and research. With a portfolio of over 120 glasses, we master the value chain, from development to finishing and metrology.

Your Contribution

• Lead and supervise all raw glass manufacturing operations, including melting, annealing, batch house, and etching processes, while serving as the technical authority for glass melting technologies
• Manage and develop employees through hiring, training, performance management, coaching, employee relations, recognition, corrective action, and succession planning
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment while maintaining effective labor relations and collaborative union partnerships
• Plan and optimize workforce utilization, equipment capacity, production workflows, and facility layouts to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and lead times
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, establish process standards, and drive technical solutions that improve operational performance and product quality
• Coordinate production activities with Supply Chain, Procurement, Maintenance, Quality, and other functions to ensure customer requirements and production objectives are achieved
• Prepare and manage cost estimates, quotations, budgets, staffing plans, capital requests, and production forecasts to support business goals
• Establish, monitor, communicate, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles by ensuring compliance with SCHOTT Lean standards, delivering employee training, and leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security requirements by promoting a strong safety culture, overseeing hazardous waste management activities,maintaining regulatory compliance, and developing qualified personnel
• Peform other duties as assigned

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline required
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a process-driven production environment
• Demonstrated experience leading technical manufacturing operations, including process control, continuous improvement, and production optimization
• Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and engage teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex manufacturing processes and implement effective solutions
• Experience with workforce planning, capacity analysis, budgeting, cost control, and operational performance management
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and KPI-driven decision making
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees, leadership, customers, vendors, and union representatives
• Proficiency with computer systems, data analysis tools, and manufacturing-related software applications
• Experience in glass manufacturing, materials processing, thermal processing, or similar industrial manufacturing environments preferred.MBA, advanced technical degree, or professional project management certification considered a strong asset
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical, dental and vision
• Short and long term disability
• Paid time off
• Other supplemental benefits available upon election

*At SCHOTT, it’s your personality that counts – not your gender, your identity, or origin.

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