Director of Manufacturing - Direct Mail & Digital Print Operations

Director of Manufacturing – Direct Mail & Digital Print Operations

Are you a proven manufacturing leader with deep expertise in direct mail and digital print production? We are seeking a Director of Manufacturing to lead and optimize a high-volume print and mail operation, driving operational excellence, production efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement for one of the nation's leading performance marketing agencies.

This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing end-to-end manufacturing operations, including digital print, variable data printing, finishing, inserting, mailing, and fulfillment. The ideal candidate will bring strong industry knowledge, a hands-on leadership style, and a track record of building high-performing teams within a fast-paced direct mail environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead all manufacturing operations across digital print, finishing, inserting, mailing, and fulfillment departments.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently, meeting customer deadlines, quality expectations, and budget targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, waste reduction, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and overall operational performance.
• Establish and monitor key production metrics, including run rates, spoilage, downtime, OEE, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Lead and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, and manufacturing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Sales, Estimating, Customer Experience, Project Management, Data Processing, and Postal Operations to ensure seamless project execution.
• Oversee quality control programs and ensure compliance with client specifications, postal regulations, and internal standards.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies, equipment, and automation solutions to improve production capabilities and scalability.
• Manage manufacturing budgets, labor planning, and capital investment initiatives while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards and regulations.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of senior manufacturing leadership experience within a Direct Mail, Transactional Print, Commercial Print, or Digital Print environment.
• Strong understanding of high-volume digital print production, variable data printing, personalization workflows, and mail production operations.
• Experience overseeing digital print technologies, including continuous-feed inkjet, sheet-fed digital presses, workflow automation, and inline finishing systems.
• Working knowledge of mailing operations, USPS regulations, postal optimization strategies, inserting equipment, and mail fulfillment processes.
• Proven ability to lead large production teams and manage multiple departments in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets, labor planning, equipment utilization, and productivity metrics.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with ERP, MIS, workflow automation, and manufacturing management systems.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of industry experience and leadership success.

Preferred Experience

• Direct Mail production and fulfillment operations.
• High-speed inkjet platforms (Canon, Ricoh, HP, Screen, Kodak, etc.).
• Variable data and personalized print workflows.
• Postal optimization, commingling, presorting, and USPS compliance.
• Transactional print, statement processing, and customer communications management environments.
• Highly automated print-to-mail production facilities.

Supervisory Responsibility

Provides leadership and oversight for all production, print, finishing, mailing, fulfillment, and manufacturing personnel across multiple departments and shifts.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a growing organization where you will have a direct impact on operational strategy, manufacturing performance, and future scalability. You'll play a key role in driving innovation, implementing best practices, and building a world-class direct mail and digital print operation.