Director of Manufacturing

About the role

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for effectively managing the overall production of manufactured goods at our Altoona, Iowa facility and managing the significant potential for future production growth. This includes oversight of Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient processes and timely product delivery.
• Manage floor capacity and throughput using Shop-Trak to optimize productivity.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Oversee Quality, Safety, and Maintenance departments to ensure compliance, workplace safety, and equipment reliability.
• Evaluate and justify new or replacement equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
• Monitor performance metrics and financials, support capital planning and budgeting.
• Manage plant capacity and timelines; assess expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate with logistics, purchasing, and scheduling teams to streamline operations and minimize downtime.
• Partner with HR on workforce development, recruitment, training, and retention strategies.

Qualifications

• Education: bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field required.
• Experience: minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven knowledge of production, quality, maintenance and safety.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems.
• Previous experience building a high performing team.
• Strong and impactful financial knowledge.

Preferred Skills

• Leadership – Experience leading cross-functional teams through influence and achieving goals aligned with company objectives.
• Communication – Experience to express information/ideas in a professional manner to varying levels of the organization.
• Problem-Solving/Analytics – Experience with analysis, financial information, and metrics that leads to making informed decisions and generating ideas to improve overall business performance.
• Project Management – Experience overseeing the production of product from start to finish, managing budgets, and managing manufacturing capacity.