Director of Operations/ Manufacturing

Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Manufacturing to lead our production operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This key leadership role will oversee all aspects of manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in operations management and strategic planning, with the ability to inspire teams and foster a culture of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to the President, Board of Directors and shareholders as needed.
• Increases efficiencies and synergies in efforts to reduce Operating expenses.
• Manage Manufacturing, Shipping, Engineering / QC and Supply Chain Teams.
• Ensure company policies and procedures are followed by each department.
• Sets goals, monitors work, and evaluates results to ensure that departmental and organizational objectives and operating requirements are met and in line with the needs and mission of the company.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, synergies:
• Freight expense – small parcel & LTL
• MRO Supplies
• Packaging / Corrugated supplies
• Preventative Maintenance schedules
• Manage Engineering Team:
• Analyze current Engineering projects and prioritize
• Evaluate and realign Engineering Team to support company’s strategic initiatives
• Work with Engineering Team(s) on a Preventative Maintenance Schedule
• Work within New Product Development process incorporating Stage gates and milestones.
• Supply Chain Team:
• Research opportunity to consolidate customer shipments reaching the goal of 1 order, 1 shipment for multiple brands
• Evaluate cost down opportunities – evaluate supplier alternatives including opportunities to manufacture in the U.S. in an effort to reduce tariff exposure
• Contribute operations information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews; prepare and complete action plans; implement production, productivity, quality and customer-service standards; resolve problems; complete audits; identify trends
• Forecast requirements; prepare an annual operating expense budget; analyze variances; and initiate corrective actions if necessary
• Review current operations systems / layouts and make recommendations for improvement by reviewing product handling and storage requirements; review processes for receiving product, equipment utilization, inventory management and shipping
• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following and enforcing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations
• Manage staff levels, wages, hours, contract labor to OPEX budget
• Manage relationships with key Supply chain / operations vendors
• Review and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for payment
• Communicate all operating policies and/or issues at department meetings
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to perform analysis of our inventory and ensure we are utilizing our inventory effectively, purchasing the right equipment, maintaining solid inventory data in an effort to reduce excess and obsolete inventory

Requirements

• Proven experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong skills in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
• Experience in project management with a track record of successful implementation.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff at all levels.
• Strategic planning capabilities with a focus on long-term business growth.
• Strong negotiation skills for effective supplier and vendor management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Join our team as the Director of Manufacturing and play a pivotal role in shaping our production strategies while leading a dedicated team towards achieving operational excellence.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $149,028.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Operations management: 10 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• East Berlin, CT 06023 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $149,028