The Manufacturing Director is an exempt, multi-site leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high quality production. This role provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and continuous improvement across production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and safety functions. The Manufacturing Director uses independent judgment to influence long range planning, improve operational performance, manage budgets, and lead cross functional teams in support of business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Provide multi-site strategic direction and day to day leadership for manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are met or exceeded.
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and capacity management to support customer demand and operational goals.
- Establish operational standards, KPIs, and benchmarks to drive performance improvements across production lines and departments.
- Lead daily, weekly, and monthly operational reviews, ensuring root cause analysis and action plans for missed targets.
- Other duties assigned by leadership.
Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Lead the development and execution of long term manufacturing strategies, including automation, equipment upgrades, and process optimization.
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
- Implement standardized processes, systems, and practices to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
Safety & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture partnership and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and other regulatory requirements.
- Partner to Ensure GMP, ISO, or other industry specific standards are met as applicable.
Financial & Budget Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the manufacturing organization.
- Make strategic decisions regarding equipment investments, staffing needs, and resource allocation.
- Analyze financial performance and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multi level team including operations managers, supervisors, engineers, and production staff.
- Establish clear performance expectations and hold teams accountable for results.
- Direct workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning for key manufacturing roles.
- Build an engaged, inclusive, and performance driven culture across the manufacturing organization.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, HR, Finance, and EHS to support business objectives.
- Collaborate with R&D or product development teams on new product launches, process changes, and equipment requirements.
- Participate in executive leadership discussions related to capacity, expansion, and strategic business initiatives.
Competencies:
- Proven experience managing multi site operations and standardization.
- Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.
- Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years at the manager or director level.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and people management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and lead strategic initiatives.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, data analytics, and manufacturing software.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex budgets.
- Process manufacturing (chemicals/inks/coatings) with batch complexity and QC release constraints
- Turnaround and margin-improvement leadership with quantified results
- Building frontline capability and accountability in underperforming environments
- Prior experience in a regulated or high volume manufacturing environment is a plus.
Working Conditions
- Primarily on site role requiring regular time on the manufacturing floor.
- May require occasional evening or weekend support for major production events or issues.
- Some travel may be required for multi site operations or supplier visits.
Effort/Physical Demands:
- Ability to sit for long periods of time
- Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 25 lbs
Health and Safety Responsibilities:
- Must work in accordance with Health and Safety regulations, Company Rules, Plant Rules, policies and procedures.
- Must use or wear equipment, protective devices, or certain clothing as required by the company.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay and overtime opportunities
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k)
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- Career development and training opportunities
- Clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment
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