2300 Vierling Drive West, Shakopee, Minnesota 55379 United States of America
Position Summary:The Senior Director, Cherne Global Operations will provide strategic and hands-on leadership and oversight for Cherne (part of the Oatey family of brands) manufacturing and distribution sites in Shakopee, Minnesota and Eijsden, Netherlands. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that meet customer requirements, deliver exceptional quality products, and maintain a strong focus on associate engagement. This role requires visible engagement in the manufacturing environment across shifts, with a strong understanding of daily operating performance and frontline challenges. The role will integrate operational and engineering expertise to drive continuous improvement, standardization, innovation, and scalability across global facilities, aligning with Oatey's long-term growth strategies.
Position Responsibilities:Safety & Compliance- Ensure the well-being and safety of all associates across all sites.
- Maintain all safety requirements and compliance programs, including behavior safety observations, incident reporting, and corrective actions.
Management and Leadership- Lead and align two Cherne manufacturing and distribution operations.
- Maintain a regular and visible presence within manufacturing operations across shifts, engaging associates and frontline leaders to understand performance, reinforce standards, and support timely problem solving.
- Provide leadership for the Engineering and Operations functions, ensuring alignment between product design, manufacturing processes, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establish consistent operating expectations, management routines, and performance visibility across the Shakopee and Eijsden facilities while appropriately accounting for local operating needs.
- Drive safe, efficient, and timely execution of all manufacturing and engineering processes.
- Ensure processes, standards, and procedures are followed to deliver world-class quality products.
- Provide technical and engineering oversight to optimize manufacturing performance and scalability.
- Partner with Engineering, R&D, and New Product Development to ensure manufacturability, operational readiness, and effective launch and ramp-up of new and improved products.
- Lead capital investment planning and engineering-driven initiatives to support innovation and growth.
- Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations and company policies across all operations.
Strategic Planning & Financial Management- Develop and manage operating budgets for multi-site operations.
- Lead 5-year strategic planning, aligning operations and engineering strategies with corporate goals and global opportunities.
- Drive productivity improvements, cost savings, and margin enhancement initiatives
Continuous Improvement- Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across international operations.
- Develop and implement standardized operating practices and management routines measures across both facilities to strengthen safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
People & Culture- Provide empathetic leadership, developing and mentoring site leaders, frontline leaders, and diverse cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.
- Drive engagement, retention, and succession planning initiatives aligned to company strategy.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across Oatey's global network of manufacturing and distribution sites.
Knowledge and Experience:- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing operations, including direct site leadership, multi-site and international responsibility, and strong engineering exposure.
- 5+ years of management/supervisory experience.
- Proven track record of leadership in environments with complex manufacturing processes (robotic, rubber, chemicals, metals).
- Deep knowledge of engineering best practices, manufacturing systems, Lean techniques, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
- Strong knowledge of quality systems and global regulatory compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated business and financial acumen with the ability to manage complex budgets and deliver strategic results.
- Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to lead diverse, cross-cultural teams and resolve conflicts with integrity.
- Proficiency in leading site ERP systems implementations (SAP preferred) and advanced PC skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Certified Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred).
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.
Education and Certification:- Four-year degree in Engineering (highly preferred) or equivalent years of relevant operational leadership experience required.
- Advanced degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Operations) strongly preferred.
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Compensation Range for the Position:$152,716.00 - $202,348.50 - $251,981.00 USD
Offer amount determined by experience and review of internal talent.
Oatey Total Rewards- Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work-life balance
- Annual Discretionary Cash Profit Sharing
- Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation
- Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings for associates and qualified dependents
- Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability income protection coverage at no cost to associates
- Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well-being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.
