Senior Manager, Field Operations at PaneraTech, Inc.

Fairfax, Virginia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

03 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Team Leadership, Field Operations Management, Technical Expertise, Project Management, Customer Relationship Management, Safety Standards, Glass Manufacturing, Steel Production, Budget Management, Continuous Improvement, Digital Transformation, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Cultural Sensitivity, Mentorship, Technical Guidance

Industry

Glass;Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing

Description

About the role We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Sr Manager with deep expertise in glass or steel industry operations to lead our global field engineering team. This leadership position will oversee field operations across multiple regions, with focus on glass manufacturing facilities (including float glass, container glass, and specialty glass) and steel manufacturing facilities worldwide. The successful candidate will manage a team of Field Engineers and Field Technicians while serving as the primary technical authority for both glass and steel industry applications. This role requires extensive travel to customer sites globally and demands both strategic leadership capabilities and hands-on technical expertise in steel production processes. The position will be based in our corporate office with hybrid working arrangements and significant international travel requirements. What you'll do Team Leadership & Management Lead and manage a global team of Field Engineers and Field Technicians across multiple regions Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development for field personnel Conduct performance evaluations and establish clear performance metrics for field operations Coordinate resource allocation and scheduling for global field operations Ensure safety best practices Glass & Steel Industry Technical Leadership Develop and implement industry-specific protocols for sensor installations and site inspections Lead complex technical discussions with glass and steel industry customers at executive and engineering levels Stay current with both glass and steel industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements Provide technical guidance on glass furnace operations (float, container, fiber, specialty glass) and steel operations (blast furnace, electric arc furnace, continuous casting) Oversee SmartMelter inspection programs for glass furnaces and equivalent steel industry asset assessments Strategic Operations Management Develop and execute field operations strategy aligned with company growth objectives Establish standard operating procedures for both glass and steel industry field operations Implement quality assurance programs and safety protocols for field activities Manage field operations budget and resource planning Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all field operations Customer Relationship Management Build and maintain strategic relationships with key glass and steel industry customers Lead customer meetings and technical reviews at C-suite and VP levels Resolve complex technical issues and customer escalations Collaborate with sales teams to support new business development in both glass and steel sectors Represent PaneraTech at glass and steel industry conferences and trade events Project & Site Management Oversee complex multi-site installations and sensor deployment projects Ensure timely completion of field activities and customer deliverables Coordinate with engineering teams on product development and customization needs Manage emergency response protocols for critical customer situations Oversee compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or related field Master's degree preferred Minimum 10+ years of experience in glass and/or steel industry operations, maintenance, or engineering 5+ years of management experience leading technical teams Experience with both glass manufacturing processes (melting, forming, annealing) and steel production processes (ironmaking, steelmaking, rolling operations) Technical Expertise Deep understanding of both glass and steel manufacturing processes, equipment, and challenges Experience with refractory systems, furnace operations, and high-temperature processes in both industries Knowledge of glass and steel industry safety standards and regulatory requirements Familiarity with glass furnace campaigns, steel furnace maintenance, and production optimization Understanding of digital inspection technologies and endoscopy applications in high-temperature environments Leadership & Business Skills Proven track record of successfully managing global, distributed teams Strong project management skills with experience managing multi-million dollar initiatives Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive-level interactions Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic customer relationships Experience with budget management and P&L responsibility Travel & Personal Attributes Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 60% of the time Ability to work in challenging industrial environments including high-temperature conditions Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively across diverse global markets Fluency in English required; additional languages preferred Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineering (PE) license Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification Experience with AI/ML applications in glass and steel manufacturing Background in digital transformation initiatives in heavy industry Previous experience with sensor technology or industrial IoT solutions in high-temperature applications Experience working with international glass and steel companies Knowledge of glass furnace design and steel mill operations

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a global team of Field Engineers and Field Technicians while overseeing field operations across multiple regions. Develop and execute field operations strategy aligned with company growth objectives and ensure safety best practices.