Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Production Director

💰 $140,000 - $220,000+ (Competitive, Based on Experience & Location)

OperationsManufacturingLeadershipExecutive

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a results-driven and strategic Production Director to take full ownership of our manufacturing and production operations. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will be the driving force behind the efficiency, quality, and safety of our entire production lifecycle. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of optimizing complex manufacturing processes, mentoring high-performing teams, and translating strategic business goals into operational excellence. You will be responsible for everything from long-range capacity planning and budget management to the day-to-day execution on the production floor, ensuring our products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Production Manager
  • Plant Manager
  • Operations Manager

Advancement To:

  • Vice President (VP) of Operations
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • General Manager (Multi-site or Regional)

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Supply Chain Management
  • Director of Quality Assurance

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute the overall production strategy, aligning it with the company's long-term business objectives, market demand, and financial goals.
  • Direct and manage all plant operations with overall responsibilities for production, quality, maintenance, and other production-related activities to ensure a seamless workflow.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a large-scale production team, including managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
  • Formulate and manage the annual production budget, meticulously tracking expenditures, analyzing variances, and implementing cost-saving initiatives to enhance profitability.
  • Champion and enforce a world-class safety culture, ensuring strict compliance with all OSHA and environmental regulations to guarantee a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Drive the quality assurance and quality control programs, implementing standards like Six Sigma or ISO 9001 to minimize defects, reduce waste, and ensure final products meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), production output, cost per unit, and on-time delivery.
  • Spearhead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, 5S) to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and reduce lead times.
  • Oversee the entire production planning and scheduling process to effectively balance production capacity with sales forecasts and customer orders.
  • Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to ensure a consistent and cost-effective supply of raw materials and to optimize inventory levels.
  • Manage the allocation of resources, including labor, equipment, and materials, to maximize productivity and meet production targets.
  • Lead the capital expenditure planning for production, including evaluating new machinery, automation technologies, and facility upgrades to enhance manufacturing capabilities.
  • Liaise with R&D and Engineering departments during the new product introduction (NPI) process to ensure design for manufacturability and a smooth transition to full-scale production.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive production performance reports, operational analyses, and strategic recommendations to the executive leadership team.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for resolving major production-related crises, such as equipment breakdowns, supply chain disruptions, or significant quality issues.
  • Evaluate and improve operational systems, processes, and policies in support of the organization's mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow, business process, and organizational planning.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to the organization's long-term strategic capacity planning and facility expansion projects.
  • Foster and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and third-party vendors to ensure reliable and high-quality partnerships.
  • Stay current on industry trends, emerging manufacturing technologies, and best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Participate in or lead labor relations and union contract negotiations, where applicable.
  • Support new business development by providing insights on production costs, capacity, and lead times.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Expert-level knowledge and application of methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
  • ERP Systems: High proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365) for production planning and reporting.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong ability to develop and manage budgets, understand P&L statements, conduct ROI analysis, and control operational costs.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): In-depth experience with QMS frameworks like ISO 9001, TQM, and SPC (Statistical Process Control).
    -Safety & Compliance: Comprehensive understanding of OSHA, EPA, and other relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Production & Inventory Control: Mastery of production scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory management techniques (e.g., JIT, MRP).
  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and use data-driven insights to make strategic decisions.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate large, diverse teams, set a clear vision, and drive organizational change.
  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills to identify root causes of complex operational issues and implement effective, lasting solutions.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Superior ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the executive board.
  • Decision-Making: Confident and decisive, with the ability to make sound judgments quickly, especially under pressure.
  • Change Management: Adept at guiding teams through transitions, implementing new technologies, and overcoming resistance to change.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Black Belt) or APICS (e.g., CPIM, CSCP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

10-15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with at least 5-7 years in a senior management role (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Manager).

Preferred:

A proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, multi-shift production facilities is highly desirable. Experience within the specific industry (e.g., consumer packaged goods, automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics) is a significant advantage. Demonstrated success in driving major cost-saving, quality improvement, and efficiency-boosting initiatives.

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