Industrial Director
💰 $175,000 - $260,000+
🎯 Role Definition
As our Industrial Director, you are the strategic linchpin of our entire production ecosystem. You will be tasked with developing and executing a long-term industrial vision that aligns with our corporate objectives. This senior leadership role involves overseeing all facets of manufacturing, from production and engineering to supply chain and quality assurance. Your mission is to foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and innovation, ensuring our operations are not only efficient and cost-effective but also scalable and future-proof. You will be a key member of the executive team, providing critical insights that shape the company's growth trajectory.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Plant Manager / Multi-Site Plant Manager
- Senior Operations Manager
- Director of Engineering
Advancement To:
- Vice President (VP) of Operations
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Regional General Manager / Managing Director
Lateral Moves:
- Director of Global Supply Chain
- Director of Quality & Corporate Compliance
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop and execute the comprehensive industrial strategy, including long-range planning, capacity expansion, and technology adoption to support business growth.
- Direct and manage all plant operations, holding full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing division and ensuring all financial and operational targets are met or exceeded.
- Champion and implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize productivity, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
- Oversee the entire production lifecycle, from raw material procurement to finished goods shipment, ensuring seamless and efficient workflow across all departments.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Plant Managers, Operations Managers, and other functional leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC), implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Drive a world-class safety culture by ensuring strict adherence to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, from initial budgeting and justification to final implementation and commissioning of new equipment and facilities.
- Collaborate with R&D and Engineering teams to successfully manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, ensuring manufacturability and a smooth transition to full-scale production.
- Direct the end-to-end supply chain strategy, including procurement, logistics, inventory management, and supplier relationship management to ensure material availability and cost control.
- Guarantee compliance with all industry-specific quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949), leading quality assurance initiatives and managing internal/external audits.
- Formulate and manage the annual operational budget, conducting regular financial reviews to control costs and maximize profitability.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives within the industrial environment, evaluating and integrating automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Develop and maintain robust contingency and risk management plans to mitigate potential disruptions to production and supply chain operations.
- Act as the primary liaison with executive leadership, providing regular, transparent updates on industrial performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
- Optimize resource allocation, including workforce planning, equipment utilization, and material flow, to meet fluctuating production demands efficiently.
- Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers, partners, and contractors to enhance operational effectiveness and negotiate favorable terms.
- Guide industrial relations strategies, including labor negotiations and employee relations, to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Spearhead sustainability and environmental initiatives within manufacturing, aiming to reduce the company's carbon footprint and operational impact.
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and technological advancements to identify opportunities for strategic advantage and operational innovation.
- Standardize best practices and operational procedures across multiple manufacturing sites to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.
- Oversee facility maintenance and engineering programs to ensure maximum asset uptime, reliability, and longevity.
Secondary Functions
- Support executive decision-making by providing ad-hoc operational analysis and performance reporting.
- Contribute to the broader corporate strategy and annual business planning cycle with insights from the industrial division.
- Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to align production capacity and capabilities with market demand and forecasts.
- Participate in cross-functional leadership meetings and strategic projects to drive overall company success.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and Kaizen methodologies.
- Strong P&L management, budgeting, and financial analysis skills.
- In-depth knowledge of Supply Chain Management, procurement, and logistics.
- Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics).
- Thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, TS 16949, etc.).
- Comprehensive knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations.
- Capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning and large-scale project management.
- Advanced data analysis and performance metrics management.
Soft Skills
- Visionary Strategic Leadership and Executive Presence.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
- Advanced analytical and data-driven problem-solving abilities.
- Proven change management and organizational development capabilities.
- Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
- Decisive leadership with the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline.
Preferred Education:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's degree in Engineering or Operations Management.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Supply Chain Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred: Extensive experience in a multi-site manufacturing leadership role within a similar industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals). Proven track record of driving significant operational improvements and financial results.