Senior Director, Manufacturing and Distribution

Senior Director, Manufacturing & Distribution

Groundworks is seeking a talented Senior Director, Manufacturing & Distribution to join our team in Virginia Beach, VA or Dallas, TX! The Senior Director of Manufacturing & Distribution at Groundworks is responsible for leading and transforming the company's end-to-end manufacturing and distribution network to support scalable, cost-effective growth. This role owns the performance, strategy, and evolution of two integrated manufacturing and distribution sites, ensuring alignment with Groundworks' commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

As a key leader within the Supply Chain organization, this role goes beyond day-to-day operations to design and execute a future-state network that optimizes cost, service, and resilience. The Senior Director will drive data-informed decision making across manufacturing, logistics, and sourcing strategy, including make vs. buy assessments, import strategy, and network optimization, while building the processes, systems, and team capabilities required to scale with the business.

This leader will play a critical role in advancing operational maturity by establishing discipline through standardized processes, performance management, and governance, while maintaining the entrepreneurial mindset needed to support a fast-growing organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of manufacturing and distribution operations across two integrated sites, ensuring alignment with company performance objectives for cost, service, quality, and safety.
• Own the end-to-end manufacturing and distribution P&L, driving financial performance through cost optimization, productivity improvements, and disciplined capital allocation.
• Design and execute a multi-year strategy for the manufacturing and distribution network, including facility optimization, capacity planning, and evaluation of future warehouse and distribution opportunities.
• Drive data-informed decision making across the network, including make vs. buy analysis, total landed cost modeling, and optimization of domestic manufacturing versus import strategies.
• Own relationships with international manufacturing partners and lead strategies for overseas sourcing, including product mix decisions, multi-sourcing strategies, and risk mitigation.
• Partner closely with Procurement to align sourcing strategies with operational and network objectives, while maintaining clear ownership of execution within manufacturing and distribution.
• Lead transportation and logistics strategy in partnership with internal stakeholders, optimizing inbound freight, over-the-road transportation, and distribution to a network of 85+ branches across the U.S. and Canada.
• Improve productivity, throughput, and operational efficiency across both manufacturing and distribution sites through continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence methodologies.
• Establish and implement standardized processes, SOPs, KPIs, and governance structures to elevate operational discipline and performance visibility across the network.
• Lead, develop, and upgrade talent across the organization, including site leadership and functional roles, building a high-performing team capable of supporting future growth.
• Provide hands-on leadership presence at manufacturing and distribution sites, ensuring effective execution while reinforcing accountability and performance expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Inventory, Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Commercial teams to align network capabilities with business needs and growth plans.
• Partner with IT to define system requirements and support enhancements to ERP, logistics, and operational systems to improve visibility, planning, and execution.
• Evaluate the role and value of the existing R&D function, making recommendations regarding its future state in alignment with business priorities.
• Support product innovation efforts as needed by aligning manufacturing and sourcing capabilities with engineering and product management requirements.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular updates to senior leadership and driving accountability for results.
• Champion Groundworks' Core Values by fostering a culture of meritocracy, accountability, and ownership—where teams communicate openly, work until it's done right, deliver quality through great service, embrace growth, and operate with humility and respect across all manufacturing and distribution operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15 years of progressive leadership experience across manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations, with demonstrated ownership of multi-site environments.
• Proven track record of building and scaling operations in high-growth or private equity-backed organizations, including establishing processes, systems, and organizational structure.
• Experience designing and optimizing supply chain networks, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution strategy.
• Strong financial acumen with experience owning or influencing P&L performance, including cost modeling, capital investment decisions, and operational budgeting.
• Demonstrated expertise in data-driven decision making, including make vs. buy analysis, total landed cost modeling, and network optimization.
• Experience working with international manufacturing partners and managing import strategies, including supplier diversification and risk management.
• Strong leadership capability with experience upgrading talent, restructuring teams, and developing high-performing organizations.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with a builder mindset and hands-on approach.
• Excellent executive presence with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders and drive alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, including a willingness to engage directly in problem solving at the site level.
• Strong collaboration skills with experience partnering across Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and IT functions.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence principles.
• Experience in construction materials, building products, or industrial manufacturing environments preferred.

Working Conditions

• This role requires up to 25% travel, primarily between Groundworks' manufacturing and distribution sites in South Carolina and Kansas, with occasional travel to other locations as needed. Periodic international travel (e.g., India) may be required to support evaluation and management of overseas manufacturing partners.
• Work environment includes time spent in manufacturing and warehouse settings with adherence to safety protocols, as well as standard office-based work.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Regular use of computers, data systems, and operational technologies integral to daily responsibilities

Requirements & Perks

• Full-time
• Onsite (1741 Corporate Landing Pkwy Virginia Beach, VA 23454 or 1945 W Walnut Hill Ln Irving, TX 75038)
• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential
• Employee Ownership/Equity

What We Provide

• Competitive Pay
• Employee Company Ownership Opportunities
• Industry Leading Training Programs
• Leadership Development and Career Growth Tracks
• Comprehensive and Affordable Benefits Package
• Top Workplace with Award Winning Culture