Director of Manufacturing Operations

ClearBridge Executive Search; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ClearBridge Executive Search seeks a proven manufacturing leader to oversee all plant operations in a fast-paced U.S. facility.

The role directs production, maintenance, quality, distribution, and continuous improvement initiatives while shaping strategies that drive safety, efficiency, and quality. You will mentor manufacturing leadership teams, manage facilities resources and capital investments, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with cross-functional groups to improve customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of plant or production management experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality systems, food safety, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational performance.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and distribution.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and performance goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Establish and maintain strong operational controls, policies, and procedures.
• Direct plant functions to ensure alignment with company objectives and performance targets.
• Support food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business results.
• Manage facility resources, equipment, inventory, and capital investments.
• Develop, mentor, and lead manufacturing leadership teams.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Continuous improvement

People management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing technologies

Job description

Seeking a proven manufacturing leader to oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, distribution, and continuous improvement initiatives. This executive role is responsible for driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, ensuring food safety and quality standards, and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead overall manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and distribution.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and performance goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Establish and maintain strong operational controls, policies, and procedures.
• Direct plant functions to ensure alignment with company objectives and performance targets.
• Support food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business results.
• Manage facility resources, equipment, inventory, and capital investments.
• Develop, mentor, and lead manufacturing leadership teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Food Science, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of plant or production management experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality systems, food safety, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational performance.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing technologies.