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Director of Manufacturing Confidential Springfield, MA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $175,000 a year 23 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Life insurance Referral program Qualifications Technical engineering Production data analysis Defect resolution root cause analysis Team leadership ERP systems Six Sigma methodology implementation Engineering process optimization Metrics Reporting Change management Manufacturing facility experience Team development Key Performance Indicators Quality control data analysis Production management software Cost analysis Leading team collaboration initiatives Managing manufacturing teams Organizational development strategy Technical troubleshooting support Paper die-cutting Workforce management Quality improvement programs in engineering Financial acumen Manufacturing company experience Technical Proficiency Implementing lean manufacturing processes Cross-functional communication Capital investment evaluation Failure analysis Production troubleshooting Full Job Description The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of manufacturing operations, with a primary focus on gasket fabrication, converting, production capabilities, and manufacturing excellence. This position is responsible for developing and executing manufacturing strategies that support company growth, improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and strengthen the organization's ability to meet customer requirements. The Director of Manufacturing will serve as a key leader in developing the future direction of gasket fabrication and converting operations. The position will directly lead the development and execution of a structured roadmap for insourcing and outsourcing opportunities, using capability, capacity, cost, quality, delivery, supply risk, and customer requirements to determine the optimal operating model. The Director will establish the strategic direction for future manufacturing methods and technologies, including recommendations for equipment, automation, tooling, facility capabilities, workforce skills, capital investment, and implementation priorities. This work will require a technical, data-driven, and hands-on approach to analyze manufacturing performance, develop fact-based strategies, and translate recommendations into practical, executable solutions while balancing customer demand, scalability, operational performance, and innovation. The Director will lead the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, equipment, workforce capabilities, and production systems while ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Manufacturing Leadership Develop and execute a long-term manufacturing strategy aligned with company objectives, growth plans, and customer requirements. Establish the strategic direction for gasket fabrication and converting operations, including capabilities, capacity, equipment, technology, and workforce development. Evaluate current manufacturing capabilities and identify opportunities for expansion, modernization, automation, and process improvement. Lead the development of manufacturing plans that support business growth, new product introduction, acquisitions, and changing market demands. Partner with executive leadership to establish manufacturing priorities, capital investment requirements, and operational objectives. Develop and monitor manufacturing KPIs, including productivity, throughput, capacity utilization, scrap, on-time delivery, quality, and cost performance. Gasket Fabrication and Converting Operations Provide strategic oversight of gasket fabrication and converting processes, including die cutting, CNC machining, hand fabrication, assembly, material processing, and other applicable manufacturing methods. Evaluate and optimize the appropriate manufacturing method for products based on material, design, volume, tolerances, customer requirements, and cost. Conduct detailed technical and operational analyses—including process capability, cycle time, material utilization, labor content, tooling, equipment performance, quality, cost, and capacity—to determine the most effective manufacturing methods and solutions. Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of gasket fabrication and converting capabilities, equipment limitations, and opportunities for process innovation. Identify opportunities to improve production flow, reduce material waste, optimize setup times, and increase manufacturing efficiency. Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to evaluate manufacturability, production requirements, and customer-specific solutions. Support the development and introduction of new products, materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes. Establish strategies to improve the scalability, consistency, and profitability of gasket fabrication and converting operations. Ensure manufacturing processes are appropriately documented, standardized, and continuously improved. Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Oversee manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, quality, and adherence to company policies and procedures. Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, process discipline, and data-driven decision making. Analyze manufacturing techniques, workflows, and production data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions. Maintain a hands-on presence in manufacturing operations to validate assumptions, test and refine solutions, support process conversions, troubleshoot implementation issues, and ensure improvements are practical, sustainable, and successfully adopted. Establish standardized work practices, operating procedures, and performance expectations across manufacturing departments. Improve manufacturing scheduling, resource allocation, production flow, and utilization of equipment and labor. Identify and implement opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining quality and customer service. Lead initiatives focused on reducing scrap, rework, downtime, and production bottlenecks. Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, innovation, and continuous improvement. Leadership and Workforce Development Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, and production teams. Establish clear performance expectations and accountability for manufacturing leadership. Develop workforce strategies to ensure the organization has the skills, capabilities, and staffing required to meet current and future production needs. Support the development of training programs, cross-training initiatives, and career development opportunities for manufacturing employees. Foster an operator-centric workforce culture that emphasizes engagement, ownership, quality, and productivity. Encourage collaboration and effective communication across manufacturing departments and company locations. Quality, Safety, and Compliance Ensure manufacturing operations consistently meet customer quality requirements and company standards. Partner with Quality and Engineering to establish and improve quality control processes, manufacturing standards, and corrective action initiatives. Promote a safe working environment through adherence to safety policies, training, and continuous improvement of manufacturing practices. Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with equipment, processes, materials, and production activities. Ensure compliance with applicable industry regulations, company policies, and quality management systems. Support investigations into quality issues, customer complaints, and manufacturing defects, implementing corrective and preventive actions. Capital Planning and Manufacturing Resources Evaluate manufacturing equipment, technology, and facility requirements to support current and future business needs. Develop and present capital expenditure recommendations, including business justification, expected return, and operational impact. Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, and Finance to plan equipment purchases, facility improvements, and manufacturing investments. Ensure effective utilization of manufacturing equipment, labor, materials, and facility resources. Evaluate opportunities for automation, technology adoption, and equipment upgrades that improve productivity and manufacturing capabilities. Participate in strategic decisions regarding manufacturing footprint, capacity planning, and operational expansion. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with the COO and executive leadership to align manufacturing strategy with overall business objectives. Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to support customer satisfaction and business performance. Partner with Supply Chain to ensure materials availability, inventory planning, and supplier performance support manufacturing requirements. Support Sales and Engineering in evaluating complex customer requirements, technical feasibility, and production capabilities. Communicate manufacturing performance, opportunities, risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership. Support the integration of new products, processes, acquisitions, and organizational changes into manufacturing operations. Other Responsibilities Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, manufacturing technologies, materials, and competitive capabilities relevant to gasket fabrication and converting. Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational development initiatives. Support company-wide continuous improvement projects and operational excellence initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. 8+ years of progressive manufacturing, operations, or engineering experience, with demonstrated leadership responsibility. Proven experience managing manufacturing operations, preferably in gasket fabrication, converting, sealing products, CNC machining, or a related industrial manufacturing environment. Strong technical understanding of gasket manufacturing processes, including die cutting, CNC machining, hand fabrication, assembly, material conversion, and related production methods. Demonstrated experience using technical and operational analysis to develop and execute fact-based manufacturing strategies that support business growth, operational efficiency, process conversion, and continuous improvement. Experience evaluating manufacturing equipment, production capabilities, capital investments, and process improvements. Strong knowledge of manufacturing KPIs, production planning, capacity management, and operational performance metrics. Experience leading and developing manufacturing managers, supervisors, and production teams. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, process improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies. Demonstrated technical aptitude and analytical capability to interpret manufacturing data, evaluate processes and equipment, model alternatives, develop fact-based strategies, and make sound operational recommendations. Hands-on experience in gasket fabrication or related converting operations, including direct involvement in process development, equipment selection, production conversion, shop-floor troubleshooting, and implementation of practical manufacturing solutions. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and develop a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance quality, cost, delivery, capacity, and customer requirements. Ability to align manufacturing strategies with overall company objectives. Familiarity with ERP systems, manufacturing technologies, and production management tools. Ability to adapt to changing business conditions and make sound strategic decisions under pressure.

Physical Demands:

The employee is regularly required to move throughout manufacturing and production facilities. Presence at manufacturing facilities is required on a regular and predictable basis. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may be required to use hands and fingers to inspect materials, equipment, and manufactured products. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally be required to lift, move, or handle materials and equipment consistent with the needs of the manufacturing environment. Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures. Physical requirements may vary based on assigned responsibilities and facility needs.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person