We are working with a well- established (85+ years) growing, family-owned and operated, ISO 9001, and leading USA manufacturer of protective apparel for the industrial worker in the toughest industries. The company has more than a dozen brands for products including protection for heat and thermal, flash fire, arc flash hazard, flame-resistant, hi visibility flame resistant rainwear and apparel, leather and rubber voltage gloves, industrial workwear, military (FR, cold weather, base layers, combat uniforms, flight suits, etc.), electrical safety PPE, carbon products (thermal, welding, and molten metal protection), mechanical and cut protection apparel/products, and more! Company has 4 production facilities in the US.

Due to growth, the company is looking for a Director of Manufacturing to oversee their safety apparel, glove, and gear manufacturing facilities – note, moving to a new facility at the beginning of 2023. This position is based in the company’s Chicago facility and will report to the EVP of Operations. The position comes with a competitive base salary, excellent benefits, and relocation package for qualified candidates.

Manage the overall production operations of the company’s Chicago facility and provide direction for the company’s other/multiple US and international facilities. Evaluate, establish, and monitor labor, efficiency, output, materials, safety, factory assets, and plant expenses according to budgets while exceeding quality and production requirements.

Essential Job Functions:
• Planning – Establish and monitor adherence to daily, weekly, monthly, and annual production plans to meet corporate goals and customer expectations
• Production Supplies – Monitor levels of key items, working with the supply chain team to ensure adequate inventory is available to match production demand. Ensure that cost containment is achieved without sacrificing quality
• Execution – Meeting or exceeding measurable operational goals (efficiency, output, cost, service, and quality)
• Safety – Establish and maintain ergonomically sound safety rules, practices, and procedures to assure the safety of partners, building, ground, and machinery at all plant operations
• Human Resources Management – Recruit, train and motivate direct reports
• Policies and Procedures – Thoroughly understand corporate policies/procedures and ensure they are followed and adhered to
• Process Improvement (PI): Identify areas for improvement in such areas as cost, quality, and delivery. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodology and engineering analysis (GSD) where applicable and document results
• Monitor output, quality, and efficiency numbers to ensure KPIs are met or exceeded.
• Directly supervise plant leadership to ensure efficient plant operations
• Facilities and Equipment Maintenance – Work with the maintenance team to make sure all equipment is properly maintained

Qualifications:
• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management preferred but not required
• Experience: 5+ years of manufacturing operations experience and management experience
• Preferred: Process engineering, Industry 4.0, Lean Six Sigma, and IOT (Internet of Things) experience
• Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin and/or Spanish is a plus

Key Competencies:
• Communication
• Personal/Motivational Skills
• Problem Solving
• Knowledge/Skills/Education
• Character
• Decision Making
• Interpersonal Skills
• Managerial Skills
• Principles of Leadership