Director, Manufacturing Engineering & Quality

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

Overview:

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality leads a team responsible for all aspects of manufacturing engineering and quality operations, ensuring the organization is continuously improving processes, maintaining a safe working environment, and upholding the highest quality standards. This role is critical in leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing team, fostering a culture of lean manufacturing, and ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. The role primarily supports Assembly, warehousing, and Metal Fabrication operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategy:
• Lead and manage a team of manufacturing engineers, lean leadership, and quality professionals, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timelines.
• Develop and execute strategies that align manufacturing, material flow, and quality goals with organizational growth and performance objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and career development opportunities for the team to build a strong talent pipeline.
• Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, 5S, Visual Management) to enhance productivity, eliminate waste, and improve process flow.
• Implement principles from the Toyota Production System to drive operational excellence across Metal Fabrication and Assembly operations.
• Oversee the design, optimization, and validation of manufacturing processes to achieve cost-efficiency, reliability, and high-quality standards.
• Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Oversight:
• Ensure the team provides technical leadership in manufacturing processes, including metal fabrication, welding, painting, mechanical assembly, and electrical assembly.
• Lead and manage the implementation and maintenance of robust quality management systems, ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards and customer requirements.
• Guide the team in implementing visual management tools to enhance communication and operational transparency.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Engagement:
• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and other functions to deliver engineering solutions that support business goals.
• Collaborate with Quality & Compliance teams to ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Facilitate smooth introduction of new products, equipment, and processes through effective coordination and technical support.
• Team Development and Mentorship:
• Build and lead high-performing engineering and quality teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability within the team to drive results.
• Performance Measurement and Reporting:
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for engineering and quality functions.
• Drive accountability for meeting goals related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation:
• Develop and manage budgets for engineering and quality activities, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial alignment with organizational goals.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field). A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 8 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, and Visual Management.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams in Metal Fabrication and Assembly operations, including welding, painting, mechanical, and electrical assembly.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing large, cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with CAD and CAE software for design, simulation, and process optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  
  
  

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.


It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.