Director of Manufacturing Operations

Maximize your potential, own your impact. We are Charter Next Generation (CNG). We are curious. We are courageous. We are competitive. We are North America’s leading independent producer of high-performance, specialty film, and flexible packaging solutions for a greener tomorrow. Join us and our 2,000 employee-owners now as we passionately pursue sustainable solutions to create a better world.
 

This career opportunity is located at one of our CNG facilities in the following cities:

Bloomer, WI

Blythewood, SC

Lexington, OH

Massillon, OH

Milton, WI

Ontario, OH

Superior, WI

Turners Falls, MA

What we offer - Our hardworking team deserves benefits that work for them:

Total Rewards:

• Significant earning potential in year 1
• Progressive pay with skills development
• Additional earnings through employee ownership program
• Benefits day 1
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement 
• 401k with 5% company match at 90 days of employment
• Vacation upon day of hire

People & Culture:

• Sustainability leader
• Innovative & dynamic environment
• Safety & quality driven
• Purpose-driven & Values-based
• Community partners
• Earth stewardship

As a Director of Manufacturing Operations your responsibilities will be:

Production Management

• Provide comprehensive oversight of manufacturing operations across multiple facilities, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of all production activities 
• Partner with S&OP to help optimize production schedules through advanced planning methodologies and data driven decision making.
• Design and implement effective workforce planning strategies that maximize operational efficiency and resource utilization
• Maintain strict oversight of manufacturing costs through detailed budget monitoring and cost control measures 
• Establish and track comprehensive production metrics to ensure consistent achievement of safety, quality, and output targets 
• Direct inventory management strategies across facilities, implementing systems to optimize stock levels and reduce carrying costs 
• Coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure uninterrupted material flow and production continuity 
• Monitor and analyze production performance data to identify trends and implement corrective actions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive manufacturing strategies aligned with overall business objectives and growth targets 
• Provide direct leadership and mentorship to Plant Managers and Support Staff, fostering professional growth and development 
• Create and maintain a culture of operational excellence through systematic implementation of lean manufacturing principles 
• Design and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and drive operational success 
• Participate in executive leadership meetings to contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives 
• Lead change management initiatives to drive operational improvements and cultural transformation 
• Build and develop high-performing teams through effective coaching and performance management
• Effectively communicate with leaders across CNG at all levels—including peers, department leaders, and direct reports—to foster collaboration and deliver optimal solutions across all CNG functions.

Process Improvement

• Lead the implementation of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives across all facilities
• Develop and execute cost reduction strategies through process optimization and efficiency improvements
• Spearhead automation and technology advancement projects to enhance operational capabilities
• Drive innovation in manufacturing processes through evaluation and adoption of new technologies
• Establish continuous improvement frameworks that encourage employee participation and idea generation
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives through data-driven analysis

Health and Safety Compliance  

• Partner with Safety Leaders to ensure full compliance with OSHA standards and workplace safety regulations
• Create and foster a culture of safety through regular communication and engagement

Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets aligned with organizational objectives
• Provide strategic oversight of capital equipment planning and procurement processes
• Optimize resource allocation across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Direct capital improvement projects to enhance manufacturing capabilities
• Evaluate and approve resource allocation requests based on business priorities
• Monitor and control operating expenses to ensure budget compliance

Cross-functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Technical teams to align manufacturing operations with organizational goals
• Partner with Supply Chain leadership on inventory optimization and logistics planning
• Work closely with HR Business Partners to develop and implement talent management strategies
• Lead succession planning efforts for key manufacturing positions
• Coordinate with Commercial/sales teams to align production capacity with customer demand
• Support new product introduction initiatives through cross-functional collaboration
• Facilitate regular communication between departments to ensure alignment of objectives
• Participate in cross-functional project teams to drive organizational improvements

A strong Director of Manufacturing Operations will possess:

• Bachelor's degree required in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field
• Master's degree preferred in Business Administration, Engineering Management, or related field
• Professional certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, or similar certifications are highly desired

Work Experience: 

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience in a high-volume production environment
• At least 3-5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple production facilities or departments
• Demonstrated track record of implementing lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience managing budgets $75-100M and teams of 250 employees
• Proven experience with ERP systems, manufacturing technology, and automation implementation
• Strong background in regulatory compliance and safety management
• Experience leading organizational change and cultural transformation initiatives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and operational excellence frameworks
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and metrics
• Exceptional leadership abilities with demonstrated success in building and developing high-performing teams
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, cost control, and capital planning
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Superior communication skills with the ability to present effectively to executive leadership and cross-functional teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing management software systems
• Strong change management skills with the ability to drive organizational transformation
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization
• Advanced knowledge of quality management systems and ISO standards
• Strong understanding of environmental, health, and safety regulations

Safety at CNG: 

• Ensure that safety and health concerns are given primary consideration in all activities
• Follows company guidelines and actively participates in all safety processes
• Carry out job/area specific housekeeping duties and maintain a high standard of professionalism
• Look for, report, and correct any near misses/unsafe conditions or behaviors as soon as possible
• Identify needed changes and make recommendations - find a better way

Physical Work and Work Environment:

 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Team members are also required to frequently talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Are our values a match for you?

• Committed – We act with integrity and respect for one another.
• Collaborative – We are better when we work together.
• Caring – We strive to be socially conscious in all we do.
• Courageous – We take risks to achieve better outcomes.
• Curious – We encourage new thinking to reimagine what’s possible.
• Competitive – We play to win.

Want to learn more about CNG? Click here to learn from our employees! https://www.youtube.com/@charternextgeneration

If so, we can offer you an exciting career opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application and resume. Become part of our CNG team today!

Equal Employment Opportunity: Hiring and advancement are based on job-related requirements and on an individual's qualifications to perform a job. All aspects of employment are carried out free of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression or any unlawful criterion, existing under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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