SUMMARY: The Director of Manufacturing will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence for our organization’s manufacturing operations, driving growth, innovation, and impact through comprehensive operational management and workforce development. This role encompasses a comprehensive approach to organizational growth, focusing on expanding our manufacturing capabilities while maintaining a deep commitment to employee development and operational efficiency. In this position, the Director of Manufacturing will be responsible for developing and executing long-term manufacturing strategies that align with the organizations mission, leading comprehensive expansion efforts and identifying opportunities for scaling production capabilities. The role will require a multifaceted approach to leadership, including developing robust development initiatives that promote employee growth, skill enhancement, and career progression while establishing a workplace culture committed to quality jobs and professional empowerment. The Director of Manufacturing will focus on operational modernization with responsibilities including implementing advanced automation technologies, developing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), and leveraging data –driven insights to optimize manufacturing workflows. The Director will ensure strict adherence to industry regulations, safety standards, and quality control protocols, while managing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and compliance frameworks. Product line management will involve leading expansion and development initiatives, conducting market research, and overseeing the entire product development lifecycle. This will include oversight of budget, financial planning, resource allocation, and strategic financial reporting. The competencies for success in the role would be a strategy, operational expertise characterized by an ability to conceptualize complex challenges and translate them into actionable solutions. Leadership that integrates technology, workforce development, and financial acumen. Analytical skills. Interpersonal skills that enable effective communication. Emotional intelligence, innovation, resilience, and curiosity. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.0 Strategic Leadership & Expansion: + Engage in long-term strategic planning, contributing to organizational growth and department expansion. + Oversee all manufacturing programs and product lines to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. + Lead the modernization and automation of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and increase production capacity. + Collaborate with the business development team to explore new business ideas and expand product lines, pursuing opportunities in both government contracts and new commercial markets. 2.0 Commitment to Quality Jobs & Workforce Development: + Commit to providing quality jobs for individuals with barriers to employment, ensuring an inclusive, supportive, and development-focused environment. + Design and implement training programs to help employees, particularly those with barriers to employment, develop skills to thrive in a modernized, automated work environment. + Provide consistent and clear communication with all team members, ensuring they understand goals, expectations, and the impact of their contributions. 3.0 Modernization, Automation & KPIs: + Oversee the modernization of manufacturing operations through the introduction of automation technologies, improving production efficiency and product quality. + Establish, track, and communicate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all roles within the department, driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement. + Use KPIs to guide decision-making, ensuring goals related to quality, productivity, and timeliness are consistently met and improved upon. + Standardize work processes across the department to ensure consistency in production and quality. 4.0 Compliance and Quality Management + Ensure the department’s compliance with ISO 9000 Quality standards, maintaining high standards for product quality and customer satisfaction. + Implement and oversee quality assurance processes to reduce defects, ensure timely delivery, and continuously improve manufacturing operations. + Conduct regular internal audits to maintain ISO compliance and use results to drive process improvements and corrective actions. + Oversee and maintain compliance with AbilityOne program and other compliance related activities related to manufacturing or the AbilityOne Program 5.0 Business Development & Product Line Expansion: + Collaborate with the business development team to identify and pursue new business opportunities and expand product lines. + Provide insights on production capabilities, timelines, and costs to support bids, proposals, and contract negotiations. + Stay informed of market trends and customer needs to drive innovation in product offerings. 6.0 Fiscal & Business Management: + Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring operations are cost-effective and aligned with organizational financial goals. + Leverage Microsoft Dynamics Business Central to streamline inventory management, financial tracking, and resource allocation. Including an effective compliant purchasing program for inventory and operating supplies. + Oversee Shipping and track costs related to inbound and outbound shipping as part of the COGs + Monitor production costs, adjusting processes and KPIs as needed to ensure profitability. + Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate 7.0 Sustainability & Compliance: + Lead the adoption of sustainable practices in manufacturing, reducing energy consumption, waste, and environmental impact. + Ensure full compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and all relevant laws, maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. + Foster a culture of sustainability within the department, training employees on eco-friendly practices, inclusive of purchasing. 8.0 Team Collaboration, Communication & Development: + Provide regular communication to all members of the manufacturing team, ensuring transparency on departmental goals, performance metrics, and progress updates. + Conduct regular team meetings to review KPIs, address challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. + Act as a bridge between manufacturing, business development, and other departments to ensure seamless communication and cooperation on shared initiatives. + Encourage employee feedback and foster open dialogue to ensure team members feel valued and engaged in the continuous improvement process. 9.0 Other Duties: + Contribute to the organization's overall success by completing additional tasks as needed, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and participating in professional development. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: + Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related field (master's degree preferred). + 7+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with expertise in automation, modernization, and business development. + Experience with ISO 9000 standards, Lean Manufacturing, and KPI-driven performance management. + Proficiency with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or other ERP systems. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: + Strong leadership and communication abilities, with a focus on driving accountability and team performance. + Proven ability to foster collaboration and provide effective communication across all levels of the organization. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: + Experience working with diverse workforces, particularly with individuals who have barriers to employment. + Knowledge of sustainable manufacturing practices and experience in implementing green initiatives. + Experience in vertically integrated production environments and large-scale contract management. + Experience in identifying and implementing automation technologies to improve manufacturing processes. + Advanced project management skills, including managing complex modernization initiatives and KPI-based management. WORK ENVIRONMENT: + Hands-on leadership position with time spent both on the production floor and in strategic planning meetings. + Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and respond to changing operational priorities.