Manufacturing Business Unit Leader

Join Us as a Manufacturing Business Unit Leader

Empower Progress, Drive Growth, Inspire Excellence.

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Manufacturing Business Unit Leader (Product Line Leader) to champion product line operations, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable growth. In this pivotal role, you’ll embody our organization's vision and values while creating actionable strategies that deliver real results.

About Us:

At Shepherd Color we demonstrate exemplary character, strive for excellence together, and work for long-term impact. We're committed to maintaining a safe and efficient workplace, producing high-quality products, and creating value that brightens lives. As the Manufacturing Business Unit Leader, you’ll lead cross-functional teams to enhance product value, optimize quality and efficiency, and align product line objectives with our organization’s strategic goals. You’ll serve as a trusted resource and leader, building strong relationships while managing the manufacturing process to ensure top-notch performance and customer satisfaction.

The Shepherd Color Company is known as a leader in the color industry with the continuous improvement of technical applications and a history of innovation. Shepherd Color pigments are highly engineered ceramic colorants. They are impervious to sunlight, chemicals, and thermal attack. Our products can be found everywhere, from the non-stick surface of your favorite cookware to adding color and IR reflectivity to roofing and siding to help keep buildings cool. We are a company of people who brighten the lives of those on whom our work has an impact, specifically, each other, our families, our customers, our suppliers, our shareholders, and our community. In turn, our lives are brightened.

Key Responsibilities

1. Knowledge Stewardship

• Engage with team members across departments to foster collaboration, open communication, and a shared focus on organizational goals.
• Act as a subject matter expert for the product line, continuously expanding your knowledge and staying updated on key metrics and performance indicators.
• Serve as the central liaison between Production and other departments, ensuring alignment and addressing questions or concerns.
• Participate in strategic team meetings to share updates, brainstorm solutions, and collaborate on organizational priorities.

2. Product Line Growth

• Champion improvement initiatives that optimize product quality, efficiency, and safety, using data-driven problem-solving methods.
• Lead cross-functional teams in executing detailed project plans, tracking progress, fostering accountability, and maintaining effective communication to ensure success.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to enhance equipment performance, reduce downtime, and meet production goals.
• Actively contribute to capital investment projects to enhance site functionality and customer value.

3. Product Line Performance Management

• Maintain a safety-first mindset, supporting initiatives to minimize hazards, improve ergonomics, and foster a culture of safety excellence.
• Oversee daily production processes to ensure targets for inventory, quality, and throughput are consistently met.
• Address and resolve time-sensitive issues in collaboration with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams.
• Analyze key metrics to identify trends and support decision-making, working with team members to automate and refine reporting systems.

4. Strategic Execution

• Translate our organization's vision into actionable plans for the product line, aligning activities with evolving business priorities.
• Mentor and recognize team members to foster an engaging, satisfying work environment.
• Collaborate with leaders across departments, leveraging their insights to refine strategies and secure buy-in for new initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field—or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 2 years supervisory experience preferred; strong background in manufacturing operations.
• Skills: 
  • Expertise in coaching, problem-solving, and project planning.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite of programs.
  • Mechanical and chemical aptitude, with an independent and detail-oriented mindset.
• Traits: Self-motivated, driven to improve, collaborative, and long-term focused.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drive meaningful impact by leading initiatives that enhance product line value and organizational success.
• Enjoy opportunities to grow your career in an environment where your contributions are recognized and celebrated.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear a respirator and adapt to various work environments.  At times, you will be exposed to cold or hot, dusty and noisy surroundings.
• Flexibility with work schedules as needed; ‘Work from Home’ options available upon discussion.

Benefits

Full-time team members receive:

• Competitive Pay
• Health and Life Insurance (eligibility date of hire)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company 401K Contribution (eligibility date of hire)
• Company Bonus Eligibility
• Fitness Membership subsidy
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Career Development

EEO Statement

The Shepherd Material Science Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 or over), disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Ready to make a difference and grow your career? Apply now to join our team and help us achieve excellence at Shepherd Color!

Cross-functional team, production leadership, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, six sigma, lean manufacturing, Manufacturing Business Unit Leader / Product Line Leader, Manufacturing Business Unit Leader - Product/Manufacturing/Operations Unit Leader, continuous improvement, product line