Director of Manufacturing Operations

Director of Manufacturing & Operations

Location: Lehigh Valley, PA | On-site

Employment Type: Full-time | Direct Hire

Position Overview

TES Recruiting is partnering with an established, family-owned manufacturer of electromechanical equipment to identify a Director of Manufacturing & Operations. Reporting to the President, this leader will oversee manufacturing, engineering, product development, materials management, quality, facilities, and safety.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical understanding, experience leading multiple manufacturing functions, and an approachable, collaborative leadership style. This is a visible role for someone who enjoys spending time on the floor, developing people, solving problems, and improving how the business operates. Experience managing material costs, inventory, and supplier performance is especially valuable.

The opportunity includes a planned transition with the current leader and potential for broader executive responsibility as the company’s succession plans develop.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives, aligning daily execution with long-term business priorities.
• Coach and develop four direct reports across production, materials management, manufacturing engineering, and product development; build trust, strengthen accountability, and support collaboration throughout the organization.
• Oversee manufacturing engineering and new product development, guiding improvements in product design, materials, assembly methods, testing, and commercialization.
• Direct purchasing, production planning, supplier management, and inventory control to ensure material availability while reducing excess inventory and controlling costs.
• Improve the use of ERP/MRP systems and operational data to strengthen planning, reporting, inventory accuracy, and decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis, corrective actions, standardized processes, and practical Lean manufacturing methods.
• Manage approximately $6 million in operational and capital spending, including budgets, equipment investments, and facility maintenance and improvements.
• Oversee quality, workplace safety, and environmental compliance while partnering with sales and customer-facing teams to address product performance and customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, business, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility across multiple functions such as production, engineering, materials, or product development.
• Experience manufacturing electromechanical products or equipment, with a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical assemblies, material requirements, and manufacturing processes. Product development leadership and familiarity with UL/CE requirements are preferred.
• Strong ERP/MRP proficiency and experience managing budgets, inventory, supplier performance, and improvement projects. Acumatica experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated success leading professional and hourly teams through departmental leaders, with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to developing people and implementing change.