Job Summary

The Director of Manufacturing plays a crucial role in shaping the manufacturing strategy and ensuring the production process aligns with the company’s goals. The job requires a blend of technical skills and expertise, strong leadership skills, strategic oversight capabilities to see the big picture, and an open mind to manage a dynamic manufacturing environment centered around short run jobs. The role will oversee the operations and strategy of our Outform Chicago facility. 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 in ensuring all aspects of production, from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products, running smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

· Oversee & manage all operations of the Outform Chicago Facility to ensure jobs are produced efficiently, on time, and within budget

· Monitoring production schedules and ensuring resources are properly planned, including monitoring and making all appropriate adjustments, ultimately ensuring on-time delivery of materials, prototypes, and finished goods, adhering to manufacturing and quality protocols.

· Overseeing the costs of the facility, and developing and managing capital budgets all with the goal of managing the facility to budget in line with margins associated with volume fluctuations to optimize expenses while ensuring availability of resources to meet the production plans

· Developing monthly KPI’s to manage productivity, efficiency, output, throughout, quality, and costs, conduct training associated with the various activities, set performance targets and develop a structure of regular performance reviews

· Oversee and manage inventory levels to ensure proper inventory management and organization.

· Create and execute manufacturing strategies that align with the company goals, promote continuous improvement objectives all without sacrificing the dynamic nature of the operations

· Identify bottlenecks in production and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity

· Maintain and further develop quality control standards to ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations within budget

· Recruit, train, and maintain a highly performing manufacturing team that is flexible and nimble to be able to adjust to a dynamic manufacturing environment

· Work closely with other departments such as engineering, design, development, account management, and procurement teams to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the manufacturing process

· Provide regular skills matrix of the manufacturing team to project management to ensure alignment in abilities and or needs related to upcoming projects being contemplated

· Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with legal regulations and industry standards, promoting a culture of safety within the organization.

· Participate in developing environmental manufacturing protocols to align with customer needs (as needed).

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

· Ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards.

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

· Coordinate responses to facility emergencies efficiently.

· 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, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree (MBA or Engineering Management) preferred.

· Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, ISO standards, or other relevant manufacturing methodologies strongly preferred.

· Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a dynamic, short-run manufacturing environment. Ability to drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

· Expertise in short-run manufacturing, kitting, printing/die cutting, and fulfillment operations. Strong understanding of supply chain optimization, inventory control, and production scheduling.

· Advanced analytical skills with experience in using KPIs and operational data to drive performance improvements, cost control, and capital planning.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments including engineering, design, procurement, and account management.

· Knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental protocols, and facility safety standards. Experience implementing and maintaining compliance programs.