Director of Manufacturing

About Firebolt Group Firebolt Group isn’t just another company. We’re a global leader in brand illumination and smart print and signage solutions. From our full-scale manufacturing facility in Michigan, we design and build physical products that make brands shine — literally! We partner with some of the world’s most recognized companies to create innovative LED signage and branded experiences that command attention, from eye-catching storefronts to iconic corporate landmarks. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to transform brand presence through design, engineering, and technology. If you’re tenacious, curious, and driven, and you want to help shape how brands connect with the world, we want you on our team. Company Size: $40M Annual Revenue | ~100 Plant Personnel | LED Signage Position Summary We are looking for an active, floor-visible Manufacturing Manager/Director to lead daily production operations, optimize throughput, and maximize output efficiency for a $40M LED signage plant in Michigan. This role manages roughly 100 total facility personnel through departmental managers, translating revenue targets into efficient shop-floor execution while maintaining strict quality, lean, and safety standards. Direct reports Production ManagerPrint Room ManagerProduction Assistant Key Responsibilities Production & Operational Efficiency Drive daily plant throughput to hit output, delivery, and quality KPIs across all shifts.Oversee master scheduling and workload balancing across assembly, print room, and engineering departments.Work directly on the production floor to identify bottlenecks, clear material/equipment blockers, and streamline assembly workflows.Monitor scrap rates, equipment uptime, and labor efficiency to reduce operating costs. Continuous Improvement & Quality Control Drive active 5S and Lean Manufacturing practices across all floor workstations.Investigate defect root causes, component malfunctions, and assembly failures alongside Engineering.Standardize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality check-gates for LED assembly. Team Leadership & Shop-Floor Management Supervise, mentor, and evaluate department managers and assembly supervisors.Manage workforce allocation, overtime planning, and headcount management for ~100 plant staff.Maintain a clean, safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all tools, equipment, and safety policies.Oversee end-of-shift operational protocols and plant security routines. Requirements Experience 10+ years in manufacturing/production environments, with 5+ years in shop-floor operational leadership.Proven track record in mid-to-high volume custom manufacturing (LED, electronics, signage, or light assembly experience preferred).Demonstrated experience managing facilities with $30M–$50M+ revenue and 75–100+ total headcount.Practical mastery of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement tools. Education Associate or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Operations, or Engineering preferred. Systems & Technical Proficiency Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systemsInventory and warehouse management softwareProject management and task-tracking platformsWorkforce management, payroll, and HRIS systemsStandard business desktop applications (spreadsheet, document, and presentation software) Benefits Full medical, dental, and vision package401(k) program + company matchPTO + paid holidays