Director of Manufacturing

Jobot; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly scaling manufacturing organization is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Leader to oversee the transition from prototype to high-volume production. The role includes leading manufacturing teams, establishing production systems, and driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant leadership experience. This position offers the opportunity to build and scale operations in a complex, technology-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing or plant operations leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in large, complex production environments.
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and scale organizations rapidly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ramp-up from prototype to high-volume manufacturing with accountability for SQDC performance.
• Establish disciplined production systems and stabilize operations.
• Build and develop manufacturing managers and technicians.

Skills

Manufacturing Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Lean and Six Sigma Methodologies

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

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Salary: $180,000 - $250,000 per year

A bit about us:

A rapidly scaling advanced manufacturing organization in the electrified transportation and energy storage sector is building a next‑generation U.S. production platform. Backed by global technical expertise and international operating experience, the organization is transitioning from early‑stage builds to high‑volume manufacturing. This environment requires disciplined execution, strong cross‑functional leadership, and the ability to integrate global standards into local operations during a critical growth phase.

Why join us:

• Senior manufacturing leadership role during transition from prototype to high‑volume production
• Direct ownership of safety, quality, delivery, and cost for a core production platform
• Opportunity to build, scale, and lead a large manufacturing organization from the ground up
• High visibility role partnering with executive leadership and global technical teams
• Long‑term growth runway within a complex, technology‑driven manufacturing operation

Job Details

Responsibilities

• Lead the ramp‑up from prototype builds to high‑volume serial manufacturing with full accountability for SQDC performance
• Establish disciplined daily production systems and stabilize operations using standardized manufacturing frameworks
• Build, lead, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, technicians, and operators
• Define, deploy, and manage KPIs across safety, cost, performance, efficiency, yield, and sustainability
• Align manufacturing execution with plant operating plans and long‑range strategic objectives
• Support deployment of manufacturing digital systems to enhance visibility, decision‑making, and quality control
• Partner with global technical teams to ensure consistent process standards and technology transfer
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and structured problem‑solving tools
• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, conversion costs, and cost‑per‑unit targets
• Lead scrap reduction, yield improvement, labor optimization, and material efficiency initiatives
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, finance, planning, and EHS to support new product and process introductions
• Translate strategic priorities into executable operating plans and cascade improvement initiatives across the organization

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• 10 or more years of manufacturing or plant operations leadership experience
• At least 5 years supporting large, complex production environments
• Proven experience supporting greenfield or brownfield plant ramp environmentsStrong program management, execution tracking, and budget ownership capability
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and scale organizations rapidly
• Strong communication, leadership presence, and cross‑functional influence

Preferred

• MBA or advanced degree
• Experience within automotive, EV battery, energy systems, or complex technology manufacturing
• Exposure to global manufacturing networks and standardized operating models

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