Director of Manufacturing Strategy & Operations

SmartSkin Technologies; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing optimization firm in Fredericton is searching for an experienced leader to transform and scale its manufacturing processes. The role requires over 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, strong project management skills, and proven strategies for enhancing productivity and quality. Competitive compensation and benefits, including health coverage and a retirement plan, are offered. Opportunities for international travel and relocation assistance may be available.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Company-paid health and dental benefits

Group RRSP with matching

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading high-performing manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute transformative manufacturing strategies.
• Strong expertise in supply chain optimization, outsourcing, and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a transformative manufacturing vision.
• Lead the scaling of manufacturing operations to meet targets.
• Optimize lab-scale and assembly processes for cost efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Supply Chain Optimization

Vendor Management

Process Improvement

Education

Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent

Job description

SmartSkin Technologies provides manufacturing optimization solutions globally to the food, beverage, & pharmaceutical sectors. SmartSkin serves the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and all major beverage brands with its patented and award-winning Quantifeel™ sensor and software solutions. While most of our engineering and production activities are undertaken in New Brunswick, Canada, our global presence is increasing with team members located in major centers in North America and Europe.

SmartSkin Technologies is seeking a dynamic, results-driven leader to drive the transformation, scaling, and operational excellence of our manufacturing processes. This is a strategic role critical to achieving our production, quality, and supply chain performance goals. The ideal candidate will combine visionary leadership with a proven ability to execute transformative manufacturing strategies while improving efficiency, productivity, and logistics performance.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a transformative 3 to 5-year manufacturing vision aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead the scaling of manufacturing operations to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Champion change across teams and processes, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Optimize lab-scale and assembly processes for scalability, cost efficiency, and innovation.
• Oversee external partnerships for fabrication and assembly, maintaining strong vendor performance in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Set performance benchmarks, track progress, and ensure operational goals are met on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with engineering to enhance product design for manufacturability and supply chain efficiency.
• Build supply chain and inventory resilience through proactive planning, vendor diversification, and long-term partner relationships.

Team Leadership & Development

• Drive productivity improvements across cross-functional teams, including assembly, quality assurance, calibration, and supply chain.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Lead recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and succession planning.
• Align team priorities with business needs, market demands, and corporate objectives.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing operations comply with ISO 9001:2015 standards and all relevant federal and provincial regulations.
• Implement processes to minimize errors and quality issues while maintaining safety and efficiency.
• Promote and maintain a healthy, safe, and compliant work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading high-performing manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute transformative manufacturing strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and quality.
• Strong expertise in supply chain optimization, outsourcing, and vendor management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing standards, safety regulations, and quality systems.
• Energetic, engaging, and capable of leading change in a dynamic environment.
• Experience scaling and coaching multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent process improvement certification.
• Willingness to be based in Fredericton with international travel for benchmarking, research, and partnership development. Relocation assistance will be considered.

SmartSkin is driven by integrity, innovation, and ambition. We offer competitive compensation, company-paid health and dental benefits, a Group RRSP with matching, and real opportunities to grow your career while making an impact in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Please apply online at https://smartskintech.com/careers/ for this opportunity. We appreciate your interest in our company! Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To learn more about Smart Skin Technologies, please click here.