Senior Manufacturing Manager

VIAVI Solutions; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions is seeking a Senior Manager, Manufacturing to lead and optimize manufacturing operations, ensuring high-quality output and continuous improvement. You will direct scheduling, capacity planning, and a team of professionals while championing lean and Six Sigma practices.

The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and proficiency with MES and ERP systems, with a focus on safety, cost reduction, and product quality.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong leadership and ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with MES and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing floor operations including scheduling and capacity planning.
• Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing professionals.
• Implement lean and Six Sigma to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams on product introduction and quality.
• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets and KPI reporting to leadership.
• Identify new technologies and automation to boost productivity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and calibration programs to minimize downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Production planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MES

ERP

Job description

Summary

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing will lead and optimize manufacturing operations at Viavi Solutions, LLC, ensuring efficient production, high-quality output, and continuous improvement across all processes. This role is critical for driving operational excellence and meeting production targets.

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the manufacturing floor, including production scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other best practices to optimize production efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality departments to ensure seamless product introduction, quality control, and problem resolution.
• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on manufacturing performance to senior leadership.
• Identify and implement new technologies and automation solutions to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Manage equipment maintenance and calibration programs to minimize downtime and ensure operational readiness.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and supply chain management.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.