Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

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.

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing position is accountable for end-to-end performance of an entire production group, with a strong focus on driving manufacturing metrics and key performance indicators. This role leads Production Supervisors and ensures consistent achievement of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets. The Senior Manufacturing Manager uses data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance, sustain results, and drive continuous improvement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Performance & KPI Ownership

Own and drive core manufacturing KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, Scrap, and Yield.

Establish daily, weekly, and monthly performance targets and ensure consistent execution against goals.

Analyze performance trends, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve results.

Ensure accurate, timely reporting and communication of manufacturing metrics to leadership.

Production & Area Management

Manage day-to-day operations of the entire production area to meet production schedules and customer requirements.

Balance labor, equipment, and materials to optimize throughput and minimize downtime.

Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and equipment effectiveness.

Leadership & Supervisor Development

Directly manage Production Supervisors with a strong emphasis on performance accountability and KPI ownership.

Ensure supervisors effectively manage hourly teams, staffing plans, and production targets.

Drive a culture of accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the production team.

Audits and ensure corrective actions are closed on time and sustained.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization

Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives tied directly to measurable KPI improvements.

Reduce waste, scrap, rework, and inefficiencies through structured problem-solving methodologies.

Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining safety, quality, and delivery performance.

Financial & Resource Management

Manage operational expenses and labor costs to meet budget and productivity targets.

Use metrics and data to support fact-based operational and staffing decisions.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business or related field (or equivalent experience).

5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.

Proven track record of driving manufacturing KPIs and improving production performance.

Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, daily management systems, and performance dashboards.

Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and sustain operational improvements.

Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Candidate must be a US Person as defined by USCIC (US Citizen, Green Card Holder, Approved Political Asylee)

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

Job Posting Pay Range: 111,300 to 206,700

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.