Director of Manufacturing

Job Overview

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of one or more manufacturing plant facilities. This role drives operational excellence by ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting quality, delivery, and financial objectives. The Director partners with cross-functional leaders to develop talent, improve processes, optimize capacity, and support the company's long-term growth strategy.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, materials, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company objectives.
• Establish performance metrics and drive accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Ensure production schedules meet customer demand while maximizing efficiency and resource utilization.
• Lead capital improvement initiatives and facility expansion projects.
• Champion a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Promote proactive risk identification and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Drive productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
• Monitor plant financial performance, including labor, material, inventory, and operating expenses.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Standardize best practices across manufacturing operations.
• Utilize data and KPIs to support operational decisions.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing leadership teams.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, and workforce development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Support organizational change initiatives and leadership development programs.
• Partner with Engineering, Human Resources, Sales, and Finance to achieve business objectives.
• Support new product introductions and operational readiness.
• Work closely with executive leadership on strategic planning and capacity planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated success managing large teams and developing leaders.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills.
• Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience within industrial manufacturing or engineered products.
• Capital project management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years leading multiple departments or an entire manufacturing operation.