MANUFACTURING DIRECTOR

In 1989, Wikoff's first continual improvement department was established, adopting a Total Quality Management approach. Over the years, the department has matured and expanded its vision to include not only oversight of the quality management system, but also training programs and employee safety while adopting other improvement methodologies such as lean and six sigma.

Role

At Wikoff Color Corporation, we're proud to be employee-owned, which means every team member has a stake in our success. We believe in building a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and invested in the future.


The Manufacturing Director is an exempt, multi-site leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role provides strategic leadership across multiple chemical production facilities, specifically focusing on batch ink manufacturing and OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) regulated operations bridging the gap between executive strategy and floor-level execution, ensuring all plants meet rigorous safety, quality, and production benchmarks.The Manufacturing Director uses independent judgment to influence long-range planning, improve operational performance, manage budgets, and lead cross-functional teams in support of business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Provide multi-site strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are met or exceeded.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and capacity management to support customer demand and operational goals.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) Governance: Champion a culture of safety by overseeing the 14 elements of OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), and Mechanical Integrity.
• Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, DMAIC) to reduce waste, improve OEE, and lower unit costs.
• Establish operational standards, KPIs, and benchmarks to drive performance improvements across production lines and departments.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly operational reviews, ensuring root-cause analysis and action plans for missed targets.
• Other duties assigned by leadership.

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development and execution of long-term manufacturing strategies, including automation, equipment upgrades, and process optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Implement standardized processes, systems, and practices to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture partnership and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and other regulatory requirements.
• Partner to Ensure GMP, ISO, or other industry-specific standards are met as applicable.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the manufacturing organization.
• Make strategic decisions regarding equipment investments, staffing needs, and resource allocation.
• Analyze financial performance and implement cost-reduction initiatives without compromising safety or quality.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-level team including operations managers, supervisors, engineers, and production staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold teams accountable for results.
• Direct workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning for key manufacturing roles.
• Build an engaged, inclusive, and performance-driven culture across the manufacturing organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, HR, Finance, and EHS to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with R&D or product development teams on new product launches, process changes, and equipment requirements.
• Participate in executive leadership discussions related to capacity, expansion, and strategic business initiatives.

Competencies:

• Proven track record in developing operators and supervisors through structured training, leader standard work, and a strong accountability culture.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations and standardization.
• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.

• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years at the manager or director level.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of production processes, equipment, and manufacturing metrics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people-management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and lead strategic initiatives.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, data analytics, and manufacturing software.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex budgets.
• Process manufacturing (chemicals/inks/coatings) with batch complexity and QC release constraints
• Turnaround and margin-improvement leadership with quantified results
• Building frontline capability and accountability in underperforming environments
• Prior experience in a regulated or high-volume manufacturing environment is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on-site role requiring regular time on the manufacturing floor.
• May require occasional evening or weekend support for major production events or issues.
• Some travel may be required for multi-site operations or supplier visits.

Effort/Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Lifting/pushing/pulling up to 25 lbs

Health and Safety Responsibilities:

• Must work in accordance with Health and Safety regulations, Company Rules, Plant Rules, policies and procedures.
• Must use or wear equipment, protective devices, or certain clothing as required by the company.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay and overtime opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Career development and training opportunities
• Clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment

This position contributes to a quality product by ensuring overall compliance to defined Product Specifications, the Quality Management System, and the Quality Policy. Additionally, this position promotes a safe work environment by complying with the defined Safety rules, GMP and regulations at all times.

This company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.