Managing Director, Manufacturing Operations Advisory and Business Development

At Factory Advisors, we partner with industrial and manufacturing organizations to transform operations, unlock sustainable growth, and achieve measurable business outcomes. We don't just consult—we embed with our clients, lead change, and deliver lasting results.

As part of the integrated Factory Transformation organization, combining Factory Advisors and GrayMatter, we help manufacturers connect operational excellence, digital technologies, and workforce enablement into one transformation strategy.

Our differentiated approach combines:

• Operational Transformation to optimize people, processes, and performance
• Digital Transformation to create visibility through systems, data, automation, and analytics
• Approachable AI to deliver actionable intelligence directly to frontline teams

Together, these capabilities help manufacturers close the gap between strategy and execution.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a seasoned Managing Director to lead strategic manufacturing transformation initiatives at the intersection of operational excellence, business strategy, and execution.

This role is ideal for a consulting leader with deep manufacturing expertise who can serve as both trusted advisor and business builder. You will help clients solve complex operational challenges while partnering across the broader Factory Transformation organization to integrate Digital Transformation and Approachable AI solutions where they create additional value.

From business development and executive engagement through delivery leadership and firm building, you will own the full client lifecycle while helping shape the future of our Operational Transformation practice.

This role requires up to 75% travel.

What You'll Do

Business Development

• Serve as both strategist and operator—originating and closing Operational Transformation opportunities while guiding the full lifecycle of client relationships.
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with executive leadership across manufacturing organizations.
• Generate and qualify leads, develop proposals, craft Statements of Work, and negotiate contracts with senior decision-makers.
• Design and execute go-to-market strategies focused on operational excellence, manufacturing transformation, supply chain performance, leadership development, and business performance.
• Expand existing accounts by identifying opportunities to integrate Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI capabilities.
• Collaborate across Factory Transformation to bring the full complement of services to address client needs.
• Own and manage sales and opportunity pipeline while meeting revenue and margin objectives.
• Build market credibility through thought leadership in manufacturing strategy, Lean, operational excellence, leadership systems, and business transformation.
• Stay ahead of emerging manufacturing technologies and operational trends, translating them into actionable client strategies.

Case Management

• Own revenue targets and manage profitability across an Operational Transformation portfolio.
• Lead multidisciplinary consulting teams delivering complex transformation engagements.
• Serve as executive sponsor and engagement leader—scoping, staffing, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Facilitate executive strategy sessions with C-suite and operational leaders to define transformation roadmaps and business priorities.
• Translate complex operational challenges into scalable improvement strategies and measurable business results.
• Lead initiatives across manufacturing operations, Lean transformation, quality, supply chain, maintenance, leadership systems, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with Digital Transformation leaders to integrate technology-enabled solutions where appropriate.
• Leverage Approachable AI solutions to ensure operational knowledge and performance improvements are sustained at the point of work.
• Build long-term client partnerships by consistently delivering measurable value and trusted advisory services.

Firm Building

• Help define and scale the Operational Transformation practice within Factory Transformation.
• Reinforce and champion the firm's integrated approach of combining operational excellence, digital enablement, and workforce capability.
• Build and mentor a high-performing consulting team.
• Develop reusable methodologies, tools, playbooks, and intellectual property that integrate:

• Operational Excellence
• Lean Transformation
• Leadership Systems
• Digital Enablement
• Approachable AI

• Partner with GrayMatter and Factory Advisors leadership to align offerings, delivery models, and innovation initiatives.
• Lead firm initiatives including recruiting, capability development, strategic planning, and internal mentoring.
• Support internal training to ensure consulting teams understand and can effectively position Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI as complementary capabilities.
• Help shape the future growth, culture, and strategy of Factory Transformation.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

• Executive-level manufacturing leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, multi-site operations, large-scale business transformation, and enterprise performance improvement.
• 15+ years in Director-level leadership roles with multi-site accountability, or 5+ years in a Vice President (or equivalent) role with enterprise-wide operational responsibility.
• Deep expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Factory Operations, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or Quality Engineering.
• Proven success building, developing, and leading high-performing teams while coaching senior leaders and creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated experience in management consulting, operational transformation, or professional services, serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams.
• A successful track record of generating and growing business through net-new client acquisition, strategic account expansion, and executive relationship management.
• Recognized expertise in Lean Manufacturing, the Toyota Production System, Continuous Improvement, and manufacturing performance transformation.
• Strong understanding of Digital Transformation technologies and their role in enabling operational excellence, including connected worker solutions, manufacturing systems, AI-enabled tools, analytics, and smart factory initiatives.
• Proven ability to translate operational strategy into executable roadmaps that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Experience leading complex, enterprise-wide transformation initiatives—from strategy development and executive alignment through implementation, sustainment, and change adoption.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence and build credibility at every level of an organization—from frontline operators to C-suite executives and private equity stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership in project execution, facilitation, organizational change management, and cross-functional stakeholder alignment within complex manufacturing environments.
• Outstanding communication, executive presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to simplify complex operational challenges into actionable business strategies.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced business or engineering degree.
• Experience in Aerospace & Defense or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience integrating digital manufacturing technologies into operational improvement initiatives, including familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and Connected Worker strategies.

Benefits

• Pay-for-performance bonus structure aligned with individual and firm-wide success