Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter. Join Axon and be a Force for Good At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Your Impact As Senior Director, Global Manufacturing Excellence, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping how Axon scales its global manufacturing network to support rapid growth, product innovation, and operational excellence. Reporting to the SVP, Global Manufacturing Operations, you will lead Axon’s contract manufacturing strategy and execution while building the systems, processes, and partnerships needed to deliver world-class performance across our global operations network. You will have the opportunity to influence both external manufacturing partners and internal teams, ensuring we deliver against cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and innovation goals. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a broad and lasting impact. You will help define Axon’s global manufacturing footprint, strengthen strategic partner relationships, and build the operational excellence capabilities that enable the business to scale. If you are energized by transforming complex operations, leading high-performing teams, and building for the future, this is a chance to drive meaningful impact at a mission-driven company. What You’ll Do Contract Manufacturing Strategy & Performance Own performance of global contract manufacturers, including cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness Partner with Strategic Sourcing to develop and execute Axon’s global contract manufacturing strategy, including partner selection, segmentation, and footprint optimization Establish and manage executive-level relationships with key manufacturing partners Partner with Global Supply Chain to support contract negotiations and ongoing supplier governance Drive accountability through robust governance, scorecards, and performance management systems Ensure manufacturing scalability to support rapid growth, new product introduction (NPI), and geographic expansion Manufacturing Excellence Define and implement a standardized manufacturing excellence framework across internal and external operations Drive best-in-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) Establish global standards for manufacturing processes and operational metrics Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and execution teams to ensure seamless product industrialization, production ramp, and capacity utilization Champion digital manufacturing, automation, and data-driven operations in partnership with the Operations Business Accelerators team Continuous Improvement & Transformation Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen Build and scale a culture of continuous improvement across global teams and manufacturing partners Identify and execute productivity, cost reduction, and efficiency opportunities Drive business process standardization and simplification across manufacturing operations Partner with Operations Business Accelerators across data, automation, and manufacturing operating systems to embed scalable solutions Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with Supply Chain, Product, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to ensure aligned execution Drive strong integration between contract manufacturers and internal teams Support new product introduction and ensure smooth transitions into volume production Align manufacturing capabilities with Axon’s product roadmap and business strategy Team Leadership & Organizational Development Build and lead a high-performing global team across contract manufacturing management and operational excellence functions Develop leadership bench strength and succession plans Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous learning What You Bring Experience 10–15+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain leadership Significant experience managing contract manufacturers at scale, ideally across global, multi-partner networks Proven track record of driving operational excellence and continuous improvement transformations Experience in high-growth, complex hardware or industrial environments strongly preferred Demonstrated success leading large, cross-functional teams and influencing executive stakeholders Skills Deep expertise in manufacturing operations, supplier performance management, and quality systems Strong financial acumen, including cost modeling and margin optimization Data-driven decision-making experience, including use of analytics and digital tools Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills Ability to operate strategically while driving strong executional detail Leadership Attributes Results-oriented with a strong bias for action Brings an external mindset and the ability to build and manage high-stakes partnerships Proven change agent with experience leading transformation at scale High accountability and ownership mentality Ability to influence across boundaries and lead through complexity Benefits that Benefit You Competitive salary and 401k with employer match Discretionary paid time off Paid parental leave for all Medical, Dental, Vision plans Fitness Programs Emotional & Mental Wellness support Learning & Development programs Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) And yes, we have snacks in our offices Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work. Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Important Notes Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well‑being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment. We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes. The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions. Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Axon