Senior Manufacturing Manager

viavisolutions; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions in Wichita, KS, is seeking a Senior Manager, Manufacturing to lead and optimize manufacturing operations, drive lean initiatives, and ensure quality and safety.

You will manage production scheduling, budget, KPIs, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to achieve targets and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years in manufacturing operations with 3–5 years in leadership.
• Experience implementing lean and Six Sigma.
• Strong production planning and supply chain understanding.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency with MES/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing floor operations including scheduling and capacity planning.
• Lead and develop manufacturing team, promoting safety and accountability.
• Implement lean principles and Six Sigma to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality for product introductions.
• Manage budgets, monitor KPIs, and report to senior leadership.
• Identify new technologies and automation to improve productivity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Production scheduling

Budgeting

KPIs

ERP/MES

Safety compliance

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MES software

ERP software

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.