Team Leader

Date: Mar 2, 2026

Location: Newton, NC, US, 28658

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 73613

The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Position Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Team Leader to lead cable operations and/or warehouse operations within our facility. This role has supervisory responsibility for 30–70 hourly associates and 4–6 Operations Coordinators and plays a critical role as part of the TCP Leadership Team, reporting directly to Operations.

This position offers strong career growth opportunities with potential advancement into Facilities, Engineering, Supply Chain, Technology, or Division Engineering roles.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

Lead by example in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees and visitors
Ensure compliance with all safety policies and proactively identify and report unsafe conditions
Promote safe work practices across all operations

Operations & Performance

Manage daily production and/or warehouse activities to meet or exceed production, quality, and cost goals
Prioritize production schedules based on product induction, equipment efficiency, and material availability
Adjust staffing and equipment assignments to optimize workflow and efficiency
Identify production bottlenecks and manage resources to maximize throughput
Utilize capacity models to develop staffing and production plans
Achieve and maintain world-class housekeeping and product flow standards

Leadership & People Development

Develop, train, coach, and hold employees accountable for individual and team performance
Create a challenging, engaging, and meaningful work environment
Recognize and reward high performance
Foster open, honest, and continuous communication
Encourage employee involvement and partnership in business outcomes
Manage employee time and attendance to ensure accurate and timely payroll

Continuous Improvement & Projects

Lead projects impacting hourly staffing levels or improving process flow (e.g., distribution flow optimization)
Support Lean project teams introducing new products or processes
Participate in the Team Leader Continuous Improvement Team to enhance overall plant performance
Reduce process variation and improve production yield
Investigate and implement corrective actions

Quality & Systems

Develop, document, and implement procedure revisions for assigned areas
Ensure all production functions comply with and maintain ISO standards
Identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable operational improvements
Understand cost drivers and make decisions that balance lowest cost with highest output impact

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts or related field

2+ years manufacturing experience or military experience in a technical environment

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor of Science (Engineering or technical)
3+ years work experience in a manufacturing environment
2+ years previous supervisory experience
Certified Green Belt
2+ years experience with industrial labor relations (union or union-free)
Ability to communicate with all levels of the plant organization

Why Join Us?

Leadership role with significant operational impact
Career advancement opportunities across multiple disciplines
Collaborative, continuous-improvement-driven culture
Opportunity to lead large teams and high-visibility projects

Apply Today

If you are a safety-focused leader with a passion for operational excellence and people development, we encourage you to apply.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $80,750.00 - $111,031.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory

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