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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Manufacturing Director

💰 $175,000 - $275,000+

ManufacturingOperationsLeadershipExecutiveEngineeringSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Manufacturing Director is the senior executive accountable for the overall performance of an organization's manufacturing operations. This role transcends day-to-day management, focusing on the strategic development and execution of production strategies that align with the company's long-term goals. They are the chief architect of an efficient, safe, and high-quality production environment, responsible for optimizing processes, managing substantial budgets, and leading large, diverse teams. The Director acts as a critical link between the plant floor and the executive suite, translating corporate objectives into tangible manufacturing outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Plant Manager
  • Senior Operations Manager
  • Director of Engineering

Advancement To:

  • Vice President (VP) of Operations
  • VP of Manufacturing
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Supply Chain
  • Director of Global Quality

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range manufacturing strategy that supports business growth, scalability, and profitability objectives.
  • Direct and manage all plant operations with overall responsibilities for production, maintenance, quality, and other production-related activities to ensure goods are produced efficiently, on time, within budget, and to standard.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement by deploying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize workflows across all production lines.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing operations, including production volume, cost per unit, on-time delivery, quality pass rates, and safety incident rates.
  • Assume full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing division, including developing and managing annual budgets, forecasting expenditures, and implementing cost-control measures to achieve financial targets.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing leadership team, fostering accountability, professional growth, and effective succession planning for critical roles.
  • Ensure unwavering compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental (EPA), health and safety (OSHA), and industry-specific quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
  • Drive the capital expenditure (CapEx) planning process for manufacturing, identifying needs for new equipment, technology, and facility upgrades to enhance capacity and capability.
  • Collaborate closely with the Supply Chain department to optimize inventory levels, streamline material flow, and ensure the timely availability of raw materials for uninterrupted production.
  • Partner with the Quality Assurance team to embed a "quality-first" mindset throughout the manufacturing process, reducing defects and ensuring products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Oversee the introduction of new products into the manufacturing environment (NPI), ensuring a seamless transition from design and engineering to full-scale, efficient production.
  • Formulate and implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate potential disruptions to operations, including equipment failure, supply chain interruptions, and labor issues.
  • Lead strategic workforce planning for the manufacturing function, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, skill sets, and training programs are in place to meet current and future production demands.
  • Foster a proactive safety culture by championing safety programs, policies, and training, with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero-incident workplace.
  • Direct the plant and equipment maintenance strategy, shifting from a reactive to a predictive and preventive maintenance model to maximize uptime and asset lifecycle.
  • Evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, such as automation, robotics, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), to drive step-change improvements in efficiency and quality.
  • Serve as the primary manufacturing liaison to the executive leadership team, providing regular updates on performance, challenges, and strategic initiatives.
  • Manage relationships with key external partners, including equipment vendors, material suppliers, and third-party logistics providers, to ensure optimal service and cost.
  • Resolve complex operational, production, and personnel issues by analyzing information, evaluating options, and implementing effective, long-term solutions.
  • Guide multi-site manufacturing operations, ensuring standardization of best practices, consistent performance, and effective communication across all facilities.
  • Spearhead sustainability initiatives within manufacturing, focusing on reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and implementing environmentally responsible processes.

Secondary Functions

  • Support executive leadership with ad-hoc operational reports, "what-if" scenario modeling, and strategic business case analysis.
  • Contribute to the company's long-term operational and capital investment strategy.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional departments like R&D, Sales, and Finance to align manufacturing capabilities with market demands and new product introductions.
  • Participate in strategic planning retreats and executive leadership meetings, representing the manufacturing function and its capabilities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt certification highly valued)
  • Financial Acumen & P&L Management
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS) & Standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.)
  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics
  • Capacity Planning & Production Scheduling
  • Regulatory Compliance (OSHA, EPA)
  • Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Planning & Justification
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Automation, Robotics)
  • Data Analysis & KPI Management
  • Root Cause Analysis & Problem-Solving Methodologies

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Change Management
  • Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Complex Problem-Solving & Decision Making
  • Team Building & Talent Development
  • Negotiation & Influence
  • Business Acumen
  • Resilience & Adaptability

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master's Degree in an Engineering or Operations field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 10-15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5-7 years in a significant leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Manager).

Preferred: Experience managing multi-site operations, leading large-scale change initiatives, and working within a specific industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals).

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