MANUFACTURING DIRECTOR

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) Governance: Champion a culture of safety by overseeing the 14 elements of OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), and Mechanical Integrity.
• Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, DMAIC) to reduce waste, improve OEE, and lower unit costs.
• 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.
• Develop and execute long-term manufacturing strategies, including automation, equipment upgrades, and process optimization.
• Implement standardized processes, systems, and practices to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing operators and supervisors through structured training, leader standard work, and a strong accountability culture.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations and standardization.
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities.
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex budgets.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, data analytics, and manufacturing software.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex budgets.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies strongly preferred.
• 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.