Manufacturing Plant Director
Position Summary
The Plant Director is responsible for full operational leadership of a multi‑site manufacturing organization serving a low‑volume, high‑mix production environment. This role oversees all production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and continuous improvement functions to ensure consistent performance across safety, delivery, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction metrics.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience in U.S.-based manufacturing, a strong foundation in lean principles, and a proven track record leading complex, high‑mix assembly operations. This leader will balance strategic planning with disciplined day‑to‑day execution and thrive in a cross‑border manufacturing structure.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Provide full P&L, operational, and strategic oversight for manufacturing sites in Southern California and Tijuana.
- Lead a multi-shift, cross-border organization including salaried leaders and hourly production teams.
- Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, KPIs, and capital improvement strategies.
- Ensure operational performance across safety, quality, on‑time delivery, throughput, and cost.
Lean & Continuous Improvement
- Drive a strong lean culture using 5S, value‑stream mapping, standard work, TPM, A3 problem solving, and visual management.
- Lead kaizen events to reduce waste, shorten lead time, and improve material flow and product flexibility.
- Establish robust daily management systems, tiered accountability, and continuous improvement governance.
Production & Engineering Excellence
- Oversee production in a low‑volume/high‑mix environment with frequent changeovers and complex assembly requirements.
- Partner with engineering on new product introductions, tech transfers, and process optimization.
- Lead efforts to integrate automation, robotics, manufacturing execution systems (MES), or Industry 4.0 tools.
- Align manufacturing operations with supply chain, engineering, quality, planning, and customer requirements.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain stringent quality standards and lead initiatives to achieve zero‑defect performance.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant ISO, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive a culture of safety, conducting regular audits, hazard assessments, and corrective actions.
People Leadership & Culture
- Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing leadership team across both U.S. and Mexico sites.
- Promote a culture of accountability, empowerment, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
- Foster strong communication, engagement, and collaboration at all levels of the organization.
- Model integrity, transparency, and respect across a cross‑cultural workforce.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including multi-shift or multi‑site oversight.
- Experience in U.S.-based, low-volume/high-mix production environments.
- Strong foundation in lean manufacturing with demonstrated, hands‑on implementation experience.
- Proven ability to manage and develop operations teams across U.S./Mexico or similar cross-border environments.
- Successful track record improving cost structure, quality performance, and operational efficiency.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field.
Preferred
- Master's degree (MBA or Engineering).
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
- Experience in electronics, automotive, aerospace, or complex assembly manufacturing.
- Background in digital manufacturing, automation integration, or MES implementation.
Key Competencies
- Strategic planning with operational rigor
- Lean thinking and structured problem solving
- Strong financial and business acumen
- Cross‑functional leadership and communication
- Change management and cultural agility
- Data‑driven decision making
FAQs
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