Director of Manufacturing

Vantage Point Recruiting; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Point Recruiting seeks a Director of Manufacturing in Augusta, Maine to lead manufacturing operations, supply chain, production management, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement for a growing employee-owned precision manufacturer. In this senior leadership role, you will build scalable systems, develop high-performing teams, and partner with company leadership to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Relocating?

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years of precision manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years in a senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Proven track record scaling manufacturing operations.
• Expertise in CNC machining and related processes.
• Experience building and leading training, apprenticeship, or workforce development programs.
• Strong operational and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing operations from scheduling and cost management.
• Lead and develop a team of machinists, operators, engineers, technicians, and supply chain professionals.
• Build scalable systems that support significant future growth.
• Create training, apprenticeship, and workforce development programs.
• Partner with company leadership to drive strategic growth initiatives.
• Influence capital investments, equipment acquisitions, and operational strategy.

Job description

Director of Manufacturing in Augusta, Maine to lead manufacturing operations, supply chain operations, production management, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement for a growing employee-owned precision manufacturer.

In this senior leadership role, you'll build scalable systems, develop high-performing teams, and partner closely with company leadership to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a critical function, develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and create a lasting impact on both the organization and the community.

Relocating? We've Got You Covered.

We know the right leader may not live in Maine today. To support a successful transition, this company offers temporary housing assistance for qualified candidates who relocate to the Augusta area, giving you time to get settled and focused on making an impact from day one.

Why This Role Stands Out

This isn't a role where you simply maintain existing systems.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Own manufacturing operations from scheduling and cost management.
• Lead and develop a team of machinists, operators, engineers, technicians, and supply chain professionals.
• Build scalable systems that support significant future growth.
• Create training, apprenticeship, and workforce development programs that strengthen our talent pipeline.
• Partner directly with company leadership to drive strategic growth initiatives.
• Influence capital investments, equipment acquisitions, and operational strategy.
• Leave a lasting mark on an organization positioned for expansion.

Who We're Looking For

You are equally comfortable reviewing KPIs in the boardroom and troubleshooting challenges on the shop floor.

You bring:

• Extensive experience in precision machining and manufacturing operations.
• Deep knowledge of CNC milling, turning, tooling, fixturing, inspection, and process optimization.
• Experience scaling manufacturing organizations while maintaining quality and culture.
• Strong financial and operational business judgment.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain top manufacturing talent.
• Success implementing continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

The Kind of Leader Who Thrives Here

At this company, character matters as much as capability.

They are looking for someone who is:

• Hands-On & Gritty– Leads from the floor, not from behind a desk.
• Data-Driven– Uses metrics and facts to drive decisions and accountability.
• Calm Under Pressure– Brings clarity and confidence when challenges arise.
• Authentic & Honest– Builds trust through transparency and direct communication.
• Driven to Build– Energized by growth, improvement, and creating what's next.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of precision manufacturing experience
• 5+ years in a senior manufacturing leadership role
• Proven track record scaling manufacturing operations
• Expertise in CNC machining and related processes
• Experience building and leading training, apprenticeship, or workforce development programs
• Strong operational and financial acumen
• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience)
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and CMMC is a plus
• Willingness to relocate to the Augusta, Maine area