Manufacturing Area Manager

Qnity•Newark, DE

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Qnity is seeking a Manufacturing Area Manager to lead front-end manufacturing operations at its Newark, Delaware site. This leadership role is responsible for safe, reliable, compliant, and efficient operations, and for improving safety, quality, environmental compliance, production, yield, throughput, cost, and schedule attainment. The manager translates site strategy into sustainable improvements that support operational performance, profitability, and customer commitments. The position is a visible, hands-on leadership role that develops Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Front-Line Supervisors while promoting accountability, employee engagement, operational discipline, and continuous improvement. The manager works closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance. The role is 100% onsite at the Newark, Delaware facility; candidates within daily commuting distance will receive priority. Sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of manufacturing, process technology, engineering, maintenance, or operations leadership experience.
Previous people leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibility.
Demonstrated success leading change and driving measurable performance improvements in a manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Experience managing safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance metrics.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Experience in chemical processing, specialty materials, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or continuous process industries.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher certification.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and large-scale operational improvement initiatives.
Strong understanding of reliability, maintenance, and asset management principles.
Knowledge of Operational Excellence systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Lead safe, reliable, and compliant front-end manufacturing operations, driving safety, quality, environmental compliance, production, yield, throughput, cost, and schedule performance.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Finance to execute production plans, improve asset performance, and achieve site objectives.
Develop and lead Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Front-Line Supervisors through coaching, mentoring, accountability, workforce development, and employee engagement.
Promote ownership, operational discipline, continuous improvement, and proactive problem-solving as a visible, hands-on leader.
Drive Operational Excellence using Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, structured problem solving, and daily management systems.
Reduce safety risks, unplanned downtime, waste, and recurring process or equipment issues, implementing sustainable corrective actions.
Use data, digital tools, and performance metrics to identify opportunities, prioritize improvements, and deliver measurable business results.
Manage resources to ensure adequate staffing, safe work execution, and achievement of production and customer commitments.
Champion change management and adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working.
Support site financial performance by managing operating costs, improving productivity, optimizing manufacturing economics, and contributing to budget planning and strategic improvement initiatives.
Build cross-functional partnerships that align daily operations with business objectives, customer needs, and long-term growth strategies.