Director of Manufacturing Operations

JOB SUMMARY:

Rochester Midland Corporation is looking for a Director of Manufacturing Operations in their Aurora Illinois location. The Director is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the manufacturing process including blending, labeling, and packaging of specialty chemical products for the company. This position ensures that the manufacturing operations are efficient, cost-effective and aligned with the business objectives. This position also makes sure that products meet the company’s quality standards. This position will work closely with other departments such as logistics and sales to optimize the flow of goods to customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies that align with the overall business goals
• Oversee manufacturing operations to ensure timely delivery of products to customers
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance, quality, and drive continuous improvement
• Optimize manufacturing processes to drive efficiency, reduce lead times, and minimize cost
• Ensure all products meet the company’s quality standards
• Create and manage related budgets and identify opportunities for cost reduction
• Manage preparation of capital and operating budgets and identify areas for cost reduction
• Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in the manufacturing facilities
• Oversee creating or refining systems to minimize error and bolster productivity. This may involve using approaches such as Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar.
• Drive innovation by introducing new technologies, processes, and automation
• Serve as the Manufacturing content expert for the Manufacturing Software System (Vicinity)
• Pull data from Manufacturing and ERP Software for trending and data analysis
• Supervise, lead, mentor and develop personnel to ensure attraction, retention, and motivation of qualified staff
• Encourage a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork, engagement and accountability
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of manufacturing equipment and facilities to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime
• Ensure a safe working environment through regular safety audits and preventive maintenance programs
• Perform similar or related duties as requested or assigned

EDUCATION/SPECIAL LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, industrial management or a related field. An MBA is preferred
• Background in Safety and Quality System Management.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodology

EXPERIENCE:

• Ten years involving duties in manufacturing operations, preferably in the chemical industry, and including five years performing managerial responsibilities are required

SKILLS:

• Strong Leadership skills
• Ability to work with people at all organizational levels and cross functionally
• Strong critical thinking skills including analytical, organization, planning, and problem solving
• Ability to use manufacturing and ERP software

COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Thinking
• Project Management
• Production Expertise
• Attention to detail

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Visual acuity necessary to utilize a computer monitor throughout the course of a normal workday
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive keyboarding activities and operate general office equipment.
• Extra hours and some travel may be required

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES: Employee shall be familiar and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the company.