Director of Manufacturing

POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing the entire production process and supply chain operations within the organization, including building manufacturing systems, processes, and infrastructure almost from the ground up. This role ensures the efficient flow of materials from suppliers, through production, and on to customers, while maintaining optimal production performance, cost‑effectiveness, and alignment with quality and safety standards, including compliance with ISO9001 requirements. The Director leads initiatives for continuous improvement, manages cross‑functional teams, and ensures the alignment of manufacturing operations with the overall business strategy. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Management Provide direct onsite leadership to the operations team, including Production, Shipping, Warehouse supervisors, and Maintenance Manager. Oversee the hiring, development, and performance management of staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, while upholding company core values. Develop and implement strategies for improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and the overall supply chain process. Operations Management Direct and coordinate production activities to meet production goals, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products. Monitor production metrics and adjust processes as necessary to optimize output, maintain product quality, and reduce costs. Ensure operations comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and internal quality controls such as ISO9001. Supply Chain Management Oversee end‑to‑end supply chain operations, inventory management, material handling, logistics, and distribution. Develop and maintain supplier relationships to ensure on‑time delivery of high‑quality materials at competitive prices. Optimize inventory levels to balance production needs with cost control, ensuring that material shortages or excess inventory are minimized. Implement and manage demand forecasting, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP), and supply planning to align with production schedules. Process Improvement and Continuous Improvement Drive Lean Manufacturing, QRM, or other continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes across both manufacturing and supply chain operations. Identify areas for operational efficiency improvements within production and supply chain workflows and implement corrective actions. Budget and Resource Management Develop and manage annual budgets for manufacturing and supply chain operations, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet company goals. Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources (labor, equipment, and materials) to ensure the timely completion of production schedules. Monitor costs throughout the manufacturing and supply chain process, ensuring profitability while meeting product delivery commitments. Supplier and Vendor Management Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring long‑term partnerships that support business objectives. Manage supply risks and improve vendor performance. Quality Assurance and Compliance Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to ensure that all manufacturing and supply chain processes meet the company’s quality standards and comply with industry regulations. Collaboration and Cross‑functional Leadership Work closely with departments such as R&D, engineering, and sales to align manufacturing and supply chain strategies with business objectives. Collaborate with logistics teams to manage distribution, warehouse operations, and transportation, ensuring timely delivery to customers. Partner with Finance to ensure the alignment of supply chain and production costs with financial objectives. Risk Management and Safety Implement risk management strategies across manufacturing and supply chain operations to minimize disruptions and enhance operational resilience. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in both production and supply chain activities. Lead safety initiatives and investigations into any incidents related to production or supply chain operations. Reporting and Analytics Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, supply chain performance, costs, and quality. Generate regular reports on manufacturing output, inventory levels, supplier performance, and logistics metrics to inform decision‑making. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field required. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations and/or supply chain management. At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi‑department teams, including production, warehouse, maintenance, and planning functions. Demonstrated experience managing end‑to‑end supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory, logistics, and distribution. Knowledge and Technical Skills Strong working knowledge of production planning, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP), and demand forecasting. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, QRM, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Deep understanding of ISO9001 requirements – implementation experience highly preferred. Solid understanding of budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation within a manufacturing environment. Familiarity with safety, environmental, and quality compliance regulations, including OSHA. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production or inventory management software – NetSuite required. Benefits We cover 90% of premiums for medical (including option for HDHP with HSA), dental, vision insurance. We cover 100% of premiums for $50,000 life insurance policy for you, and $10,000 for your spouse and each of your dependents. We also offer the following employee paid life insurance options: Voluntary Life Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Accident Insurance 401(k) retirement plan with 3% Employer Contribution, no Employee Contribution required! Bonus Opportunities: There are opportunities for bonuses. You’ll be in on that from day one. Equal Employment Opportunity Walker Tape is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr