Plant Managing Director: Lean Ops & Growth Leader

Navigate Search; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is seeking a Managing Director to lead a manufacturing facility, driving performance through strategic leadership, safety, and financial stewardship. The role emphasizes operational excellence, customer focus, and sustainable growth within a fast-paced environment.

You will shape the plant's strategic direction, oversee production and maintenance, and mentor senior teams while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across all functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a mechanical/industrial/business field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing leadership roles.
• Proven experience driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and safety performance.
• Extensive P&L management experience including budgeting and profitability initiatives.
• Experience in a matrixed organization and Lean/Six Sigma knowledge.
• Fluency in English; Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the plant's strategic plan aligned with corporate objectives.
• Oversee production, quality, maintenance, and logistics to drive operational performance.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, 5S and other CI initiatives to improve productivity and quality.
• Own P&L, budgeting, financial planning, cost optimization, and capital investments.
• Develop and mentor high‑performing management and operations teams.
• Build strong customer and stakeholder relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Drive product portfolio development and optimization for profitable growth.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Foster transparent communication and alignment across the organization.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

P&L management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

Communication

Project management

Strategic planning

Change management

Sales exposure

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data warehousing

IT processes and business systems

Job description

Navigate Search is seeking a Managing Director to lead a manufacturing facility, driving performance through strategic leadership, safety, and financial stewardship. The role emphasizes operational excellence, customer focus, and sustainable growth within a fast-paced environment.

You will shape the plant's strategic direction, oversee production and maintenance, and mentor senior teams while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across all functions.