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Date: Jul 31, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
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Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 74447
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.
Role Purpose
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 Returnable Packaging Planner will manage all aspects of reel returns (steel reel primary focus) and future state of other packaging materials (totes, spools, etc.), as well as supporting the recycling/reuse program starting in North America and expanding to Europe.
Key Responsibilities:
Coordinate the end-to-end return program, including recycling and inventory, by partnering with commercial teams, customer sites, logistics carriers, warehousing partners, plant planning, procurement, quality, engineering, packaging, and finance.
Track program deliverables, inventory, and business metrics, while identifying and driving improvements that reduce cost and enhance sustainability performance.
Communicate key program KPIs and progress updates to leadership on a monthly basis.
Maintain accurate all-in cost data for new versus returned reels, identify efficiency opportunities, and manage project cost tracking through Power BI.
Develop, maintain, and optimize customer-facing documentation, training materials, and internal communication tools to support program guidelines and return processes.
Establish standard processes to improve planning and purchasing visibility for off-site inventory located at customer sites, in transit, and at 3PL warehouses.
Expand the return program by identifying new customer opportunities, strengthening customer relationships, optimizing transportation and warehousing costs, maintaining quality standards, and sharing best practices across divisions.
Education and Experience – Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related
Minimum of 2 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, procurement or packaging/engineering roles
Familiar with packaging, supply chain, and logistics processes
Data analysis and visualization experience
Experience in Project Management in leading projects and cross functional teams
Experience analyzing and using historical data to determine optimum solutions
Advanced MS Office proficiency
Desired Skills:
SAP proficiency
Proficiency with Excel, Power BI
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $71,930.00 - $98,904.00 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.
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
[email protected].
Nearest Major Market: Hickory
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