Field Operations Senior Manager

About PaneraTech, Inc.

Who We Are

PaneraTech is a high-tech company that serves manufacturers in over 40 countries. Our disruptive technology offers unparalleled solutions that are often patent protected. Industries that use high-temperature processes, such as glass and steel, rely on PaneraTech to solve the major challenges they face. We leverage both AI and human expertise to improve efficiency, worker knowledge, and safety. We help in two major areas:

• Asset Life Extension - With our patented solution in the glass and steel industry, we help manufacturers make data-driven decisions using sensors, data, and AI. This results in longer asset campaigns safely with higher annual production

• Enabling the next generation of workers - Heavy industries have relied on the experience of employees who worked for 20-30 years in one plant. As a generation of operators and engineers retire, we bridge the experience gap with technology, data, and expertise. We offer solutions to our customers to make their process more data-driven so that an early career workforce can flourish.

Working at PaneraTech

At PaneraTech, you will be part of a global, innovative and hybrid working team. Our corporate office is based in the United States with employees spread across Europe, Asia, and South America. Turkey office is in the Hacettepe Teknokent. In this collaborative and inspiring culture that is fostered by a creative and intellectually stimulating work environment, you will be encouraged to bring the best out of yourself and your colleagues. We are looking for professionals willing to work in a fast-paced environment, cannot wait to excel in their work and are crazy about improvement! We recognize our colleagues' achievements and both individual and team performance is valuable to us.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Field Operations Sr Manager for 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

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
• Resolve complex technical issues and customer escalations
• Collaborate with sales teams to support new business development in both glass and steel sectors

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
• 5+ years of management experience leading technical teams

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