Director of Manufacturing

Director of Manufacturing Location:

Elkhart County, Indiana |

Reports To:

CEO Department:

Manufacturing / Operations |

FLSA Status:

Exempt Position Summary The Director of Manufacturing provides strategic and operational leadership for all manufacturing activities within a mid-size production facility of approximately 160 associates. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving production targets, and building a high-performance culture grounded in safety, quality, continuous improvement, and accountability. The Director serves as a key member of the site leadership team and works cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and HR to support business growth and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities Operations & Production Direct all day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, cost targets, and quality standards. Develop and execute short- and long-range operational plans aligned with company strategy and customer demand. Monitor KPIs including OEE, throughput, scrap, on-time delivery, and cost-per-unit; take corrective action as needed. Oversee production planning and capacity management to optimize labor and equipment utilization. Partner with Supply Chain to ensure raw material availability and manage inventory levels effectively. People Leadership Lead, develop, and retain a workforce of approximately 100 associates, including production supervisors, leads, and hourly employees. Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment consistent with company values. Partner with HR on talent acquisition, performance management, workforce planning, and associate engagement. Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities to build a strong leadership pipeline. Conduct regular performance reviews and address performance issues promptly and professionally. Safety & Compliance Champion a safety-first culture; ensure compliance with all OSHA regulations and company EHS policies. Drive continuous reduction in recordable incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing manufacturing operations. Quality & Continuous Improvement Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and/or other CI methodologies. Collaborate with the Quality team to ensure products meet or exceed customer specifications and internal standards. Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for quality escapes and operational issues. Identify and implement process improvements that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower total cost. Financial Management Develop and manage the manufacturing department budget; control labor, overhead, and material costs. Identify cost reduction opportunities and lead capital expenditure proposals and justifications. Report regularly on operational and financial performance to senior leadership. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree preferred. Experience Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a senior leadership role. Proven track record managing a workforce of 100+ associates in a high-volume production environment. Experience in the RV, automotive, specialty vehicle, or industrial manufacturing sectors strongly preferred. Demonstrated success in driving Lean/CI initiatives with measurable business results. Skills & Competencies Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, inspire, and develop teams at all levels. Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and executive presentation. Data-driven decision maker with proficiency in ERP systems and manufacturing analytics tools. Solid working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and value stream mapping. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. High integrity and commitment to safety, quality, and ethical business conduct.