The Director of Manufacturing is a leadership role with full accountability for production, Warehouse Operations, GMP, and Food Safety. As a core member of the leadership team, this leader sets the standard for operational excellence - ensuring the facility consistently delivers safe, high-quality products on time and within budget.

We are looking for a proven leader who leads through people, not just process. The right candidate brings deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and TPS methodologies, a strong track record of driving continuous improvement, and the ability to deliver results across safety, quality, and financial performance.

Beyond the production floor, the Director of Manufacturing serves as a key cross-functional partner to sales, customer service, and executive leadership - combining operational discipline with strategic vision to build the teams, processes, and culture needed to perform at scale.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning & Operations
•  Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long- and short-range operational plans, policies, and objectives aligned with company goals.
•  Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs that strengthen the company's competitive position and drive profitability.
•  Develop and oversee the manufacturing plan, establishing procedures and standards that ensure consistent quality, on-time delivery, and cost performance.
•  Direct and monitor Supervisors and Leads to meet receiving, manufacturing, and delivery plan targets in alignment with safety and operational procedures.
•  Initiate and lead capital projects including plant layout changes, equipment installation, and major improvements.

Production & Inventory Management
•  Manage all inventory to ensure availability of materials while minimizing carrying costs and waste.
•  Achieve optimal staffing levels and manage raw material costs to meet annual budgetary targets.
•  Direct and monitor Supervisors and Leads to meet receiving, manufacturing, and delivery plan targets in alignment with safety and operational procedures.
•  Collaborate with Customer Service, Sales, and the VP to execute the Sales, Inventory, Operations, and Production (SIOP) plan; actively prepare for and participate in weekly SIOP conference calls.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
•  Champion Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles across all departments; maintain Gemba Boards at department and workstation levels.
•  Lead Kaizen Events to drive measurable improvements in quality, delivery, and safety.
•  Present Key Performance Indicators for assigned departments during Gemba Walks.
•  Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve productivity, reduce costs, and minimize scrap and rework.
•  Guide the plant floor data standardization, collection, utilization, and management to drive continuous improvement
•  Implement effective systems and strategies of cost control over capital and operating expenditures.

People Leadership & Development
•  Hire, onboard, train, develop, and evaluate team members at all levels; build robust training systems that support consistent performance.
•  Serve as a communication bridge between executive leadership and frontline teams, ensuring clarity on decisions, policies, and priorities.
•  Take timely corrective action in accordance with company policy; consult with Human Resources as appropriate.

Compliance, Safety & Facilities
•  Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including GMP and food safety requirements.
•  Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards, including compliance with HACCP, ISO, and GMP guidelines; prepare teams for customer and regulatory audits.
•  Collaborate and partner with the Maintenance Department to ensure equipment reliability and facility integrity.
•  Direct programs essential to manufacturing operations, including safety, security, and cost reduction initiatives.

Social and Environmental Responsibilities
•  Strategic Program Development: Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies aligned with social and environmental goals, including energy-efficient programs, waste reduction initiatives, and resource conservation efforts. Create adaptable frameworks that can be customized for specific departmental functions while maintaining core sustainability principles.
•  Energy Efficiency Optimization: Identify opportunities to optimize energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, system upgrades, and operational improvements. Collaborate across departments to ensure energy-saving measures are integrated into all business processes.
•  Waste Reduction and Recycling Management: Implement waste reduction strategies to minimize landfill waste and increase recycling rates. Coordinate the collection and recycling of batteries, electronic waste, and other hazardous materials in compliance with environmental regulations. Establish department-specific waste reduction protocols tailored to operational needs.
•  Resource Conservation Management: Monitor and manage resource usage across operations, identifying opportunities for conservation and efficiency improvements. Implement resource-saving technologies and practices to minimize consumption and protect natural resources, including water, materials, and other critical resources specific to departmental functions.

Required Education and Experience
•  Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field or equivalent professional experience
•  7+ years of progressive experience leading manufacturing operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
•  Previous experience as a Director of Operations or Manufacturing Operations Manager with direct reports.
•  Proven leadership abilities in championing continuous improvement, safety, and team building across all levels of the organization.
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