Manufacturing Unit Leader

Becton Dickinson; City of Glens Falls (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is seeking a Manufacturing Unit Leader in the United States, NY – Glens Falls area. The role oversees people, processes, and production activities, driving SQDC results and ensuring compliance with BD quality systems and safety regulations.

The position emphasizes leading a high-performing team on the manufacturing floor, implementing continuous improvement, and coordinating with planning to meet production schedules while maintaining cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Industrial Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; OR 8+ years manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years manufacturing experience and 3 years leading people in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience driving operational performance, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Problem solving

Communication

People leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree + 8 years leadership

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Quality systems

Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

The Manufacturing Unit Leader has overall responsibility for the people, processes, and production activities within a designated Manufacturing Unit and is accountable for achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives. This role leads operational execution, drives continuous improvement through BD Excellence, develops team capabilities, and fosters a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance. The Manufacturing Unit Leader is responsible for designated product lines, including setting goals, making decisions, allocating resources, and driving results while ensuring compliance with BD quality systems, policies, procedures, and all applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Leadership: Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Coordinate and prioritize manufacturing activities to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant production performance.
• Partner with Planning to establish production schedules and monitor performance against delivery commitments.
• Translate manufacturing unit objectives into clear goals and expectations for teams and individual contributors.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address gaps and improve results.
• Resolve production, staffing, and operational issues in a timely manner to minimize disruption and maintain business continuity.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, spending more than 50% of work time supporting operations, coaching employees, and driving performance.
• People Leadership & Team Development: Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team aligned with BD Values.
• Establish clear performance expectations and measurable objectives for team members.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, annual performance reviews, and ongoing development discussions.
• Create and maintain individual development plans that support employee growth and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, ownership, and continuous learning.
• Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters and support workforce development initiatives.
• Ensure timely and accurate assessments of hourly associates.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Lead daily management and Tier Management System (TMS) activities to drive accountability and operational execution.
• Oversee Daily Team Maintenance (DTM) processes and support the development of standard work practices, including cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and centerline management activities.
• Support and facilitate implementation of BD Excellence tools, methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
• Lead and support change initiatives that improve operational effectiveness and help achieve both short- and long-term business objectives.
• Business & Financial Management: Develop, manage, and maintain manufacturing budgets, staffing plans, and headcount requirements.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize costs.
• Ensure resources are aligned to achieve operational goals while maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
• Support strategic planning activities and execution of manufacturing objectives.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with BD quality systems, policies, procedures, training requirements, and standard work processes.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and BD safety regulations and requirements.
• Promote a safe working environment and reinforce safe behaviors and ergonomics best practices.
• Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives as required.

Additional Responsibilities

Regular and reliable attendance is required. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English. Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs. Demonstrate a commitment to BD Values and leadership expectations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Science, Industrial Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; OR Minimum of 8 years of manufacturing leadership experience and the ability to complete a bachelor's degree within 18 months of appointment.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience. Minimum 3 years of experience leading people in a manufacturing environment. Experience driving operational performance, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience managing production priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing manufacturing budgets, staffing plans, and workforce development initiatives.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
• Strong team-building and coaching skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, waste reduction, and productivity improvement.
• Understanding of production planning, logistics, and inventory management concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business systems.
• Knowledge of workplace safety, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Physical Demands

Occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, reaching, and light lifting. May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

Primarily based within a manufacturing environment. Requires routine presence on the production floor to support operations and employee development. May involve exposure to manufacturing materials, chemicals, moderate noise, and other conditions requiring appropriate safety precautions. Occasional discomfort associated with manufacturing environments, including noise, odors, and varying temperatures, may be present.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success. To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers. Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills Optional Skills

Primary Work Location USA NY - Glens Falls Additional Locations Work Shift

Compensation and Benefits

At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under “Our Commitment to You.” Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed. Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role. Salary Range Information $105,100.00 - $168,100.00 USD Annual

We are the #MakersofPossible Working together, we make products that patients, families and their healthcare professionals rely on. We do this because we are committed to advancing the world of health™. But it takes the imagination and passion of all of us at BD, from manufacturing to marketing, to look at the impossible and find solutions that turn dreams into possibilities with real-life health benefits for people today, tomorrow and beyond. We make this happen, together. We are the makers of possible.

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally-protected characteristics.