Manufacturing Manager

Job Summary

As the Manufacturing Manager, you will serve as an independent, strategic leader responsible for driving the production departments toward optimal efficiency, quality, and financial performance. You will oversee the entire manufacturing cycle, including assembly, testing, and calibration, while prioritizing schedules based on new product introductions, equipment capabilities, and material supply. Operating with high autonomy, you will define strategic objectives, manage comprehensive budgets, and make high-level recommendations on capital expenditures and labor allocation. You will act as a collaborative partner to cross-functional peers to drive systemic improvements and develop a high-performing production team.

Responsibilities

• Exercises high-level, independent judgment to solve complex manufacturing challenges, driving systemic improvements across interdependent production cycles.
• Acts as a strategic partner to peers in Engineering (NPI/DFM), Quality, and Purchasing to remove operational silos, streamline product launches, and drive overall organizational growth.
• Mentors and develops the manufacturing leadership pipeline, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and cross-team collaboration.
• Directs and manages front-line manufacturing teams, taking full ownership of staffing, performance development, and talent retention.
• Champions lean initiatives to optimize workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity across all production lines.
• Safeguards all production departments consistently meet or exceed output goals, budgetary constraints, and high-quality standards.
• Analyzes production specifications and plant capacity data to determine optimal manufacturing processes, tooling, and resource requirements.
• Determines strategic work schedules, resource allocation, and equipment utilization, resolving complex operational roadblocks as they arise.
• Captures and enforces standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure first-pass quality meets planned goals.
• Presents comprehensive production reports and drafts strategic timescales for long-term operational success.
• Leads high-risk operational projects with significant resource requirements, ensuring clear communication of performance expectations.
• Maintains flexibility and availability, including evenings and weekends, when necessary, to ensure critical goals and deadlines are successfully met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a dedicated leadership role managing production teams.
• Proven track record of driving cross-functional alignment and collaborating effectively with peers in Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Supply Chain to achieve shared organizational goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in Six Sigma and LEAN manufacturing principles, with a history of successfully designing and executing process improvements.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills, with the ability to document, market, and execute complex operational programs.
• Deep understanding of ISO9001 Quality Management Systems and compliance standards.
• High proficiency in ERP systems (Epicor preferred) to drive data-based decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Visio and Project; ability to interpret engineering drawings and CAD models (SolidWorks experience is a plus).