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Director Manufacturing Excellence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Manufacturing Automation

Virginia, IL · On-site

$173 - $273/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director, Manufacturing AutomationSkip to main content*This site uses cookies to provide you with ... performance excellence.**Responsibilities*** Direct the technical activities of the shopfloor ...

New

$173 - $273/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director, Manufacturing AutomationSkip to main content*This site uses cookies to provide you with ... performance excellence.**Responsibilities*** Direct the technical activities of the shopfloor ...

New

At Valley Queen, we are dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and conducting our ... dairy manufacturer in the United States." Position Summary The Director provides strategic ...

Director, Manufacturing

Tustin, CA · On-site

$164.80 - $219.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Role: As the Director of Manufacturing, you occupy a pivotal role in orchestrating the ... excellence. With a relentless commitment to upholding cGMP standards, you ensure the consistent ...

Director, Manufacturing

Tustin, CA · On-site

$184K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Role: As the Director of Manufacturing, you occupy a pivotal role in orchestrating the ... excellence. With a relentless commitment to upholding cGMP standards, you ensure the consistent ...

Senior Director, Manufacturing

Pasadena, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations to lead our Houston-area manufacturing ... Drive a culture of operational excellence through TPM, Lean, and OPEX methodologies, leveraging ...

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Director Manufacturing Excellence information

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$69.5K

$141.9K

$209.5K

How much do director manufacturing excellence jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing excellence in the United States is $141,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director manufacturing excellence?

A Director of Manufacturing Excellence is a senior leader responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency across manufacturing processes within an organization. They develop and implement best practices, lean manufacturing principles, and quality standards to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure high product quality. This role often involves leading cross-functional teams, analyzing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability throughout the manufacturing operations.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing Excellence vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectDirector Manufacturing ExcellenceManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Six Sigma, Lean certificationsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, Six Sigma or Lean certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, executive meetingsHands-on production, process improvement, equipment troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, focusing on process optimization and qualityManufacturing plants, focusing on process design and implementation

The main difference is that the Director Manufacturing Excellence oversees strategic initiatives to improve manufacturing processes at a high level, while the Manufacturing Engineer focuses on implementing and optimizing specific manufacturing processes on the ground. The director role involves leadership and planning, whereas the engineer role is more technical and operational.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director manufacturing excellence?

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing Excellence, you need deep expertise in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and operational leadership, often backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies, ERP systems, and continuous improvement tools such as Kaizen is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and change management skills help drive cross-functional teams and foster a culture of improvement. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering sustained operational efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a director manufacturing excellence, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Manufacturing Excellence often encounters challenges such as driving consistent process improvements across diverse teams, overcoming resistance to change, and aligning various departments toward shared operational goals. To address these, effective communication, strong leadership, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are essential. Building cross-functional teams, providing ongoing training, and leveraging data-driven methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma can help overcome obstacles and drive sustainable results.
More about Director Manufacturing Excellence jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Manufacturing Excellence jobs?

Cities with the most Director Manufacturing Excellence job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Excellence jobs?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Excellence jobs are:

What states have the most Director Manufacturing Excellence jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Manufacturing Excellence jobs include:

Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing Excellence job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,872 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Director, Manufacturing Operations

Bell and Howell

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Bell And Howell rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

About Bell and Howell
Bell and Howell delivers technology-driven Automation Services and Automation Solutions that help businesses optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve customer experiences.
Our Automation Services bring a dedicated team of expert mechatronic service engineers completely covering North America and backed by our Integrated 360™ advanced technology enabling remote repair, diagnostics, automated SmartOps Dispatch™ and 24/7/365 technical assistance for our clients. We provide a comprehensive and certified level of support for thousands of diversified clients.
Our Automated Solutions product portfolio consists of next-generation equipment delivering best-in-class performance enhancing workflow efficiency and elevating customer experiences across multiple markets including retail, pharmaceuticals, packaging, mail production, ecommerce and manufacturing - all backed by the best service in the industry.
Position Title: Director, Manufacturing Operations
Location: Durham, NC
Job Summary:
The Director, Manufacturing Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of Bell and Howell's manufacturing operations, including Manufacturing Engineering, Integration, Assembly, Production Operations, and Continuous Improvement activities.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and serving as a key member of the leadership team, this position is accountable for achieving operational and financial objectives through the effective management of manufacturing resources, inventory, labor, quality, productivity, capital investments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Director partners closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Service Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure manufacturing operations support the company's strategic growth objectives while delivering exceptional customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Lead all manufacturing operations, including Manufacturing Engineering, Integration, Assembly, Testing, and Production activities.
  • Develop and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with company goals and financial objectives.
  • Establish operational goals, performance metrics, and accountability measures to drive safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
  • Ensure manufacturing resources, staffing levels, equipment, and processes support customer demand and business requirements.
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives throughout the organization.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Financial Leadership & Business Performance
  • Own manufacturing financial performance, including labor productivity, manufacturing costs, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
  • Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.
  • Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and customer service standards.
  • Monitor and improve key financial and operational metrics, including:

    • Labor efficiency
    • Manufacturing absorption
    • Inventory turns
    • Cost of quality
    • Scrap and rework
    • Manufacturing cycle time
    • On-time delivery
    • Working capital performance

  • Partner with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and strategic planning activities.
  • Evaluate capital equipment investments and manufacturing technologies to maximize productivity and return on investment.

Manufacturing Engineering & New Product Introduction
  • Partner with Engineering and Product Development teams during design reviews to improve manufacturability, quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
  • Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product introductions, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
  • Develop manufacturing plans including workflow design, labor content, tooling requirements, facility layout, and production strategies.
  • Evaluate make-versus-buy decisions and support sourcing strategies that optimize cost and operational performance.
  • Ensure manufacturing processes, assembly methods, testing procedures, and product documentation are established and maintained.

Quality, Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all company policies, quality standards, safety regulations, and operational procedures.
  • Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Establish and maintain effective manufacturing controls, inspections, testing procedures, and quality systems.
  • Foster a safe working environment and maintain a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Inventory, Supply Chain & Customer Support
  • Partner with Supply Chain leadership to optimize inventory levels, material availability, supplier performance, and working capital.
  • Support Sales, Service Operations, and Customer Support teams to ensure customer commitments are achieved.
  • Resolve manufacturing-related customer concerns and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Participate in Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) activities to align manufacturing capacity with business demand.

Talent Development & Organizational Leadership
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and develop manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
  • Build organizational capability through workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
  • Establish performance expectations and hold teams accountable for results.
  • Coordinate technical training, leadership development, and continuous improvement education programs.
  • Foster employee engagement and maintain a positive, high-performance work environment.

Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and streamline operations.
  • Lead operational improvement projects that support growth, scalability, and profitability.
  • Develop and implement best practices across manufacturing operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct: Up to 35, or as required by the business
Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities):
  • Strong manufacturing and operational leadership capabilities.
  • Strong financial and business acumen.
  • Ability to analyze operational and financial data and translate insights into actionable business decisions.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and executive-level influencing skills.
  • Strong project management, planning, and organizational abilities.
  • Ability to drive change and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems, manufacturing analytics, and operational reporting tools.
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years leading managers, engineers, supervisors, and cross-functional operational teams.
  • Experience managing operational budgets, capital expenditures, and manufacturing financial performance.

Travel:
  • This position requires some travel in the United States and Canada.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to walk manufacturing facilities and inspect operations regularly.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to travel as business needs require.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Bell and Howell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is company policy to administer employment based solely on an individual's qualifications, ability and performance without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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