Job Summary

The Director of Manufacturing oversees the operations and strategy of our Outform Chicago facility and is directly involved in the kitting, fulfillment and manufacturing process. This role involves managing the production of retail displays and marketing materials ensuring quality standards, overseeing inventory management, and optimizing efficiency in manufacturing, kitting, assembly and fulfillment operations. They play a key role to ensure all aspects of production, from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products, runs smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

· Oversee kitting processes for production and marketing materials, ensuring proper inventory management and organization.

· Coordinate with engineering, development, account management, and procurement teams to ensure timely availability of correct parts for kitting and assembly.

· Manage daily operations to meet production goals and quality standards.

· Ensure on-time delivery of materials, prototypes, and finished goods, adhering to manufacturing and quality protocols.

· Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

· Enforce health, safety, and environmental protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance.

· Lead and manage a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and assembly workers.

· Conduct training, set performance targets, and hold regular performance reviews.

·  Collaborate with sales and supply chain teams to develop accurate production schedules.

·  Ensure timely delivery while balancing capacity and demand, troubleshooting production delays.

· Own plant KPIs for quality, on-time delivery, and performance.

· Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.

· Monitor financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure efficient inventory management to support production schedules.

· Ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards.

· Implement quality control processes and address defects with the quality assurance team.

· Oversee facility systems maintenance (equipment, HVAC, plumbing, etc.), ensuring preventive maintenance schedules are followed.

· Coordinate responses to facility emergencies efficiently.

· Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cycle time, and quality.

· Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

· Occasionally engage with clients to understand needs and address concerns related to product quality or timelines.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a related field is typically required.

· Additional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or other relevant areas may be advantageous.

· Strong leadership and people management skills to inspire and guide teams.

· A deep understanding of manufacturing processes, kitting operations, printing/die cutting, supply chain management, and industrial engineering principles.

· Ability to quickly identify and resolve production issues or bottlenecks.

· Experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

· Experience in analysis of critical data to plan and optimize kitting operation.

· Strong acumen in the use of data to inform decision making, budgeting and capital recommendations.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

· Knowledge of cost management and budget oversight.