Director of Manufacturing Operations

Director of Manufacturing Operations & Program LeaderThe Director of Manufacturing Operations & Program Leader will own the end-to-end lifecycle of our new Monroeville, AL facility producing Implements for agricultural and off-highway applications. Reporting directly to the General Manager of Alabama Operations, you will partner closely with the Implement Business Unit Sales Leader and the Vice President of Operations. Your mandate covers five distinct phases: finalizing the operational plan, managing machinery installation, leading factory start-up, driving volume ramp-up, and managing ongoing plant operations.This role demands a blend of technical expertise to master heavy capital automation and the entrepreneurial grit to build a high-performing manufacturing culture from the ground up.Key Responsibilities:Program Leadership: Finalize the operational rollout plan, track capital expenditure milestones, and ensure construction and asset delivery remain on schedule.Asset Installation & Start-up: Oversee the commissioning of flat lasers, robotic press brakes, robotic welders, and powder coating lines.Operational Ramp-up: Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and scale production safely to meet market demand.Plant Management: Run day-to-day manufacturing operations, managing safety, quality, delivery, and cost structures.Team Leadership: Hire, train, and mentor a technical workforce, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.Required Qualifications:Education: 4-year technical degree (Engineering or relevant STEM discipline).Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.Experience: 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience, ideally within the automotive sector or a mix of heavy industrial, agricultural, or off-road equipment manufacturing.Technical Expertise: Proven experience managing high-cap-ex, automated equipment environments (robotics, CNC fabrication, advanced coating).Location: Willingness to reside in or relocate near Monroeville, Alabama.Preferred Attributes:Military Experience: Leadership experience in the U.S. Armed Forces is highly valued.Entrepreneurial Mindset: A track record of building departments, launching greenfield sites, or leading significant change management initiatives.Communication: Exceptional capability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable strategy for front-line teams and executive stakeholders.