Director of Manufacturing

Department: Production Management

Job Title: Director of Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Facilities Maintenance, and not limited to. This role ensures efficient manufacturing systems, optimal resource utilization, and a culture of continuous improvement. The Director will drive alignment of manufacturing operations with business objectives while fostering a safe, collaborative, and high-performance work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions of this job require the person, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the following:

- Operational Leadership

- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all manufacturing activities across the facility.

- Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining quality, safety, and cost objectives.

- Monitor planned production volumes and adjust capacities to meet target requirements.

- People Leadership

- Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing teams in accordance with organizational values and applicable laws.

- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and recognition.

- Resolve interdepartmental challenges effectively and constructively.

- Process Improvement & Systems

- Establish, implement, and refine manufacturing processes, including machine utilization, tooling, fixtures, sequencing, and workflows.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

- Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and performance standards.

- Strategic Planning & Capital Investment

- Direct the development of operational goals and standards, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.

- Develop and execute the global capital plan for manufacturing, including recommendations for tooling, capital equipment, and facilities investments.

- Oversee facility layouts to optimize workflow, space utilization, and scalability for future growth.

- Maintenance & Reliability

- Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance of production equipment and facilities.

- Ensure production machinery operates at optimal performance with minimal downtime.

- Technology & Systems

- Effectively utilize enterprise systems such as MRP II, CAD, Shop Floor Control, Capacity Planning, and Microsoft Office applications.

- Leverage data and analytics to drive decision-making and operational improvements.

- Business & Strategic Alignment

- Demonstrate strong business acumen by aligning manufacturing operations with profitability, market demands, and competitive positioning.

- Understand organizational strengths and weaknesses, adapting strategies to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness.

- Other

- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of business needs.

Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, or related field.

- Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with proven success in leading complex manufacturing environments.

- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and manufacturing systems.

- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive cultural transformation.

- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

All Employees are expected to:

- Follow the Employee Handbook policies and procedures and uphold organizational values.

- Contribute to building a positive work environment.

- Report for work consistently and on time.

- Report to supervision conditions or practices that are unsafe to ebm-papst and its employees.