Director of Production | Dental Digital Transformation Leader

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDirector of Production | Digital Transformation LeaderCompensation: Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus + Full Benefits + RelocationThe MissionWe aren’t just a dental lab; we are a technology-driven manufacturing powerhouse. We are currently navigating a high-stakes transition from traditional analog workflows to an end-to-end automated, AI-integrated digital ecosystem. As the Director of Production, you will be the architect of this operational evolution, scaling our Chicago facility to set a new global standard for quality, speed, and efficiency.The Role: "The Operational Anchor"While our Director of Technology designs the future roadmap, you make it a reality on the production floor. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team—including Production Managers, CAD/CAM Leads, and Department Heads—to ensure every case, from routine crowns to complex full-arch implants, is delivered with surgical precision.Core Impact AreasOperational Excellence: Own the P&L for production. You will drive throughput, optimize labor models, and strategically manage the balance between in-house fabrication and outsourced specialized work.Digital Adoption & Scaling: Partner with the Tech team to bridge the gap between "innovation" and "execution." You turn experimental software and 3D printing hardware into stabilized, high-yield production realities.Quality & Lean Culture: Champion a "Safety-First" environment. You will implement Lean/6$\sigma$ methodologies, oversee the Quality Management System (QMS), and use data to drive down remake rates.Talent Architecture: Lead the charge in upskilling a traditional workforce into a digital-first team. You will oversee internal training programs and manage our remote school-based lab pipeline to ensure a steady flow of elite talent.The Technical ArsenalDesign/CAD: High-level standards for exocad and 3Shape workflows.Manufacturing: Oversight of dental mills, sintering furnaces, and SLA/DLP 3D printersSystems: Utilization of ERP/MES for real-time WIP tracking and BI tools for KPI visualization.What You BringExperience: 8+ years leading multi-line operations in precision manufacturing (Dental, MedDevice, or high-tech CNC).Digital Mastery: You have a proven track record of running (not just observing) digital production lines, including nesting, milling, and curing.Lean Mindset: You speak the language of KPIs, OEE, and Takt time. You don’t just identify bottlenecks; you re-engineer the process to eliminate them.Change Leadership: You have the "soft skills" and emotional intelligence required to lead a team through significant organizational and technological change.