Director of Manufacturing American Technology Components Elkhart - IN - US Salary: USD125,000 - USD150,000 Apply here: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=4b05ccdca9b00240 **Director of Manufacturing** ============================= **Location:** Elkhart County, Indiana | **Reports To:** CEO **Department:** Manufacturing / Operations | **FLSA Status:** Exempt **Position Summary** -------------------- The Director of Manufacturing provides strategic and operational leadership for all manufacturing activities within a mid-size production facility of approximately 160 associates. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving production targets, and building a high-performance culture grounded in safety, quality, continuous improvement, and accountability. The Director serves as a key member of the site leadership team and works cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and HR to support business growth and customer satisfaction. **Key Responsibilities** ------------------------ **Operations & Production** * Direct all day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, cost targets, and quality standards. * Develop and execute short- and long-range operational plans aligned with company strategy and customer demand. * Monitor KPIs including OEE, throughput, scrap, on-time delivery, and cost-per-unit; take corrective action as needed. * Oversee production planning and capacity management to optimize labor and equipment utilization. * Partner with Supply Chain to ensure raw material availability and manage inventory levels effectively. **People Leadership** * Lead, develop, and retain a workforce of approximately 100 associates, including production supervisors, leads, and hourly employees. * Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment consistent with company values. * Partner with HR on talent acquisition, performance management, workforce planning, and associate engagement. * Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities to build a strong leadership pipeline. * Conduct regular performance reviews and address performance issues promptly and professionally. **Safety & Compliance** * Champion a safety-first culture; ensure compliance with all OSHA regulations and company EHS policies. * Drive continuous reduction in recordable incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions. * Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing manufacturing operations. **Quality & Continuous Improvement** * Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and/or other CI methodologies. * Collaborate with the Quality team to ensure products meet or exceed customer specifications and internal standards. * Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for quality escapes and operational issues. * Identify and implement process improvements that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower total cost. **Financial Management** * Develop and manage the manufacturing department budget; control labor, overhead, and material costs. * Identify cost reduction opportunities and lead capital expenditure proposals and justifications. * Report regularly on operational and financial performance to senior leadership. **Qualifications** ------------------ **Education** * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field required. * MBA or advanced degree preferred. **Experience** * Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a senior leadership role. * Proven track record managing a workforce of 100+ associates in a high-volume production environment. * Experience in the RV, automotive, specialty vehicle, or industrial manufacturing sectors strongly preferred. * Demonstrated success in driving Lean/CI initiatives with measurable business results. **Skills & Competencies** * Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, inspire, and develop teams at all levels. * Exceptional communication skills — written, verbal, and executive presentation. * Data-driven decision maker with proficiency in ERP systems and manufacturing analytics tools. * Solid working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and value stream mapping. * Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. * High integrity and commitment to safety, quality, and ethical business conduct.