The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for leading the implementation of production strategies that align with company goals for safety, quality, cost efficiency, delivery performance, and team development.  This leadership position balances operational oversight with strategic leadership to ensure all operations are effective, efficient, and continuously improving.

This position reports to the COO and works collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment and support for company growth objectives. Time spent on the production floor is essential to monitor processes, mentor and coach the team, and uphold operational standards while dedicating time to strategic planning and performance analysis to drive long-term improvements.  This is a 100% onsite position, Monday – Friday, with the flexibility to adjust or extend hours to meet business requirements.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Production Leadership: Direct and coordinate all production activities to ensure products are manufactured and packaged on schedule and meet or exceed safety, quality, and cost standards. Ensure compliance with company policies and address performance issues appropriately and promptly.
• Directly supervise and coach management staff, ensuring alignment with company policies and objectives. Provide leadership and mentorship for all full-time and part-time employees in the production department. Address complaints and resolve problems while taking responsibility for others' actions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and address performance issues promptly.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve results.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead the adoption of Lean tools, methodologies, and behaviors to improve operational efficiency and sustain a continuous improvement culture.
• Team Development: Develop staffing strategies to meet current and future department needs, providing training programs and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Regulatory and Quality Compliance: Provide leadership to ensure full compliance with cGMP, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Review and approve technical documentation, including SOPs, CAPA investigations, and qualification/validation protocols. Author or contribute to documents and reports, as necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other departments to align production's objectives with broader company goals and effectively resolve cross-functional challenges. 
• Strategic Planning: Participate in evaluating and planning new investments or modifications to production equipment, ensuring alignment with the long-term company strategy.
• Strategic Thinking – adapt strategy to align with changing conditions and company objectives.
• Leadership – exhibit confidence in self and others, delegate effectively and inspire trust and respect.
• Problem Solving – use scientific analysis and data-driven decision-making to identify and resolve issues promptly.
• Communication - speak and write informatively and persuasively in positive and challenging situations. 
• Continuous Improvement – assess, monitor, and enhance processes to impact business performance.
• Team Development – mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and learning environment.
• Collaboration – build strong relationships with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability- navigate and lead through changes in the work environment or business priorities.
• Organizational Support – follow policies and procedures and upholds organizational values.
• Diversity and Ethics – promote a harassment-free environment and treat people with respect.

Required Skills & Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, business management, or related technical field.   
• At least 7 years of experience with increasing responsibility in manufacturing and operations. Management experience is required. 
• At least 3 years of experience in a regulated environment or cGMP is required.
• Lean training and experience developing systems and applying tools.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational change.
• This position may require occasional travel for training, educational purposes, or equipment procurement.

Salary: The starting salary range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000 per year. Additional compensation includes an annual and a profit-sharing bonus.

Benefits: 

• Health, Dental, Life, and Disability Insurance
• HSA, HRA, and Day Care Assistance Plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plans with Profit-Sharing
• Bonus opportunities
• Generous PTO and paid holiday

About Versique

Versique: /ver-seek/ adj. being both versatile and unique; n. a high-performance recruiting firm specializing in executive leadership search, direct hire, and interim hiring solutions. 

Versique Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting is a locally owned and operated hiring and placement firm based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. With specialized practice areas across our three divisions, Versique delivers tailored expertise to a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our team of recruiters— experienced professionals who have worked in the very fields they now hire for, providing unmatched industry insight and connections.

We believe people are more than just resumes—they are transformative, unlocking the potential for organizational growth and success.

Versique is proud to be award-winning, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list for 2023. We are also consistently recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace and were named a Best Place to Work in 2022 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Let's find your people, together.

Versique is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

#LI-LS1

#LI-onsite