Requisition Number: 61577

Corning is vital to progress - in the industries we help shape and in the world we share.

We invent life-changing technologies using materials science. Our scientific and manufacturing expertise, boundless curiosity, and commitment to purposeful invention place us at the center of the way the world interacts, works, learns, and lives.

Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we're always ready to solve the toughest challenges alongside our customers.

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.

Scope of Position

The purpose of this position is to further develop, implement and expand a standardized packaging material return program with a rigorous process to include governance, guidelines to addresses customer specific needs and optimization of logistics, as well as material consumption for Corning materials. The Return Program Leader will manage all aspects of reel returns and future state of other packaging materials (plastic pallets, etc.), as well as supporting the recycling/ reuse program starting in North America and expanding to Europe.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Manage the coordination of the return program, including recycling and inventory, by liaising with commercial teams, customer sites, logistics carriers, warehousing partners, plant planning, logistics, procurement, plant quality teams, engineering and packaging teams, and finance
• Track program progress deliverables, inventory, business metrics and identify/drive improvements to save costs and increase sustainability metrics of return program
• Monthly communication of key KPIs to leadership
• Maintain up-to-date cost information on all-in costs (i.e. all associated costs with new vs. returned reels), using this information to identify and implement efficiencies and maintain project cost tracking in Plan View
• Maintain and further optimize customer-facing documentation and training resources
• Develop documentation and enhance internal communication processes to provide training and tools to the commercial, implementation solutions, engineering services and other internal relevant stakeholders for the program guidelines and return process
• Establish a standard process to provide planning and purchasing visibility to off-site material inventory at customer sites, in-transit with logistics carriers, and stored at 3PL warehouse (specifically in further developing Best Quality System capability and SAP integration)
• Expand return program to additional customers by working with commercial leads to identify opportunities and incentivize customers to participate, supply chain to assess feasibility of new customers and returnable materials, GLO to coordinate transportation lanes with preferred carrier and division logistics to verify 3PL warehouse partner capacity
• Partner with SC Customer Managers to strengthen key customer relationships and streamline return processes
• Work with GLO and Sourcing to identify savings in transportation and warehousing costs, leveraging efficiencies with Truck Carrier, consolidation opportunities, and regular cost reduction negotiation.
• Work with the plant quality and division engineering teams to maintain quality performance standards for returns, and work with GLO and Sourcing to write specifications into agreements with carriers and 3PL partners
• Partner with OFC to share best practices on the return process, and evaluate standardization of packaging to find opportunity for shared resources between divisions

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/ Engineering from accredited university program
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain, logistics or packaging/ engineering roles

Required Skills

• Advanced demonstrated knowledge of packaging, supply chain and logistics processes
• Advanced project management skills
• Advanced data analysis and visualization skills
• Project Management/ Project Leader with demonstrated proficiency in leading complex projects and cross functional teams
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated collaboration skills in managing expectations and supporting interests of multiple stakeholders (internally and externally)
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to analyze and use historical and experimental data to determine optimum solutions
• Advanced English verbal and written skills
• Advanced MS Office proficiency

Corning Puts YOU First!

We are committed to supporting your health, financial, career development, and life goals as you grow professionally and personally to achieve your highest potential. All benefits begin as soon as you start your career at Corning.
• Our monetary peer-to-peer recognition program is tied to our Values and celebrates you and your colleagues' contributions.
• Health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, mental health/substance, fitness, and disease management programs.
• Companywide bonus and attractive short- and long-term compensation programs are available based on your role and responsibilities.
• Professional development programs help you grow and achieve your career goals.