Job DescriptionManufacturing Strategy & Operations LeadWe are seeking a highly skilled candidate with deep expertise in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, and capacity planning. This individual will support the development and execution of global manufacturing strategies - including footprint optimization and capital investment planning - to ensure scalable, cost-effective operations that align with long-term business growth at an expanding F500 company.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing leadership experience, a global mindset, cross-functional collaboration skills, and proven experience working across multiple product lines, facilities, and regions.
Responsibilities:Manufacturing Strategy & Global Footprint Optimization
- Evaluate and recommend manufacturing footprint strategies considering factors such as cost, geopolitical risk, technology enablement, supply chain resiliency, and customer proximity.
- Identify demand signals, determine capacity constraints, and drive cross-functional collaboration to solve for any capacity gaps.
- Support make-vs-buy and vertical integration analyses aligned with product and process needs.
Capacity Planning & CAPEX Management
- Conduct in-depth capacity modeling, scenario planning, and throughput analysis for multiple product lines.
- Lead capital expenditure planning and justification for manufacturing investments, equipment, and facility expansions.
- Identify and implement solutions to optimize plant loading, equipment utilization, and capital deployment.
- Partner with regional and plant teams to ensure alignment with growth forecasts and demand variability.
Scalability & Industrial Engineering
- Apply industrial engineering principles to drive efficiency, throughput, and continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.
- Conduct manufacturing research to evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and production methodologies.
- Promote scalable manufacturing processes, modular BoP strategies, and digital factory principles.
- Support new product introduction by integrating design for manufacturability principles and capacity readiness into early planning.
Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment on strategic manufacturing decisions.
- Own stakeholder management to the executive level, presenting to senior leadership on a regular basis.
- Support product transfers and ramp-ups across regions, ensuring minimal disruption and operational continuity.
Data-Driven Decision Making
- Leverage manufacturing and business intelligence data (e.g., MES, ERP, capacity tools) to drive strategic planning.
- Develop and maintain models for manufacturing cost, utilization, and capacity scenario analysis.
A Strong Candidate Will Bring: - Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering/Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or equivalent experience
- 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or plant leadership
- Knowledge of global supply chain dynamics, geopolitical influences, and total landed cost analysis
- Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills; able to influence at all levels
- Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement background
- Experience managing manufacturing footprint requirements and facility planning
- Strong CAPEX planning and justification experience
- Strong analytical skills, including financial modeling and use of simulation or capacity planning software (e.g., Simio or equivalent)
- Experience with digital manufacturing tools (e.g., MES, digital twins) is a plus.
- Prior experience in plant management, production management, or multi-shift operations leadership preferred
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 10%
