Director of Manufacturing Operations, North America

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Director of Manufacturing Operations North America to lead our manufacturing efforts and drive operational excellence. This role requires a hands-on forward-thinking leader who can leverage their extensive manufacturing experience to enhance production processes, improve product quality, maintain safety standards, and ensure customer delivery across four US production facilities. The Director will be responsible for formulating and executing strategic manufacturing plans that align with the company’s goals.

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all US manufacturing operations to include industrial technologies, facility maintenance and shipping and receiving to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in production processes.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that enhance safety, productivity and meet customer expectations.  Lead a team of five direct reports with approximately seventy staff members.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all manufacturing practices adhere to safety regulations and environmental laws. Promote a culture of safety by implementing training programs and conducting regular safety audits.
• Budget Management: Prepare and manage the manufacturing budget, analyze financial performance, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
• Process Improvement: Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives and Six Sigma projects aimed at optimizing workflows and reducing waste. Identify areas for improvement through data analysis and performance metrics.
• Support the Quality Assurance Group: Establish quality control processes in manufacturing to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, guaranteeing that all products meet or exceed customer specifications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with EH&S, Researh & Innovation, supply chain, and sales teams to integrate customer insights into manufacturing operations, driving innovation and responsiveness to market demands. 
• Coordinate and report to parent company as primary liaison on US manufacturing operations plans and strategies.
• Team Development: Foster a high-performance and accountable culture by recruiting, mentoring, and developing talent within the manufacturing teams. Encourage ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance team skill sets.
• Technology Integration: Partner with Research & Innovation and IT functions for the deployment of industrial technologies. Stay abreast of technological advancements in manufacturing and identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation to drive efficiency and innovation.

PROFILE 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 7-10 years in a leadership role at the director or senior management level.
• Proven expertise in Lean manufacturing systems, Six Sigma methodologies, and other process improvement tools.
• Strong analytical skills and experience utilizing data-driven approaches to solve complex operational challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across various departments and levels of the organization.
• A results-oriented mindset, capable of motivating teams toward common goals and driving change in a dynamic environment.  

JOIN US!

• Our success comes from our highly skilled and talented employees
• Respectful entrepreneurship and a long-term vision are key for success 
• Our people contribute to a more secure world 
• Diversity at all levels of an organization is a strength