Melting Manager

Schott Ag; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Short and long term disability

Paid time off

Supplemental benefits

Job summary

SCHOTT Advanced Optics in Pennsylvania is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Leader to oversee all raw glass production, drive Lean initiatives, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery. You will manage and coach manufacturing teams, coordinate with Supply Chain and other functions, and optimize capacity and workflows.

The role demands 5–10 years of leadership in process-driven manufacturing, strong problem-solving, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading technical manufacturing operations, process control, and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience with workforce planning, budgeting, and KPI-driven decision making.
• Fluent English communication in written and spoken form.
• MBA, advanced technical degree, or PMP considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all raw glass manufacturing operations and act as the technical authority for glass melting technologies.
• Plan and optimize workforce utilization, equipment capacity, production workflows, and facility layouts.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and drive process improvements.
• Coordinate production activities with Supply Chain, Procurement, Maintenance, Quality, and other functions.
• Prepare and manage cost estimates, budgets, staffing plans, capital requests, and production forecasts.
• Establish, monitor, and improve KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Project management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, 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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