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Director Manufacturing Excellence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck & Co.

Director, Manufacturing Automation

Elkton, VA · On-site

$173 - $273/hr

... performance excellence. Responsibilities * Direct the technical activities of the shopfloor ... Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/ processes and ability to translate manufacturing ...

Merck & Co.

... excellence.ResponsibilitiesDirect the technical activities of the shopfloor automation teams ... direct people management experienceMinimum of five (5) years of experience in a GMP manufacturing ...

Ashland

Global Director, Manufacturing

The Director of Manufacturing will be responsible for multiple global manufacturing sites and ... Champion EHS excellence as a core operating discipline, with a specific focus on process safety ...

MSD

Director, Manufacturing Automation

Elkton, VA

... performance excellence. Responsibilities * Direct the technical activities of the shopfloor ... Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/ processes and ability to translate manufacturing ...

Caterpillar

Director - Manufacturing Operations

Seguin, TX · On-site

$189K - $283K/yr

IPSD has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic Director Manufacturing Operations ... In this role, you will be accountable for driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction ...

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Director Manufacturing Excellence information

See salary details

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

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Director Manufacturing Excellence jobs near you
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.

Senior Director Manufacturing

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC.

Saltillo, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Ashley Furniture rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 293 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 51 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets Comfort
Who We Are:
At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business - we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.
If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.
If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.
Summary:
The Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading a large-scale manufacturing facility while developing and executing strategies to achieve excellence in quality and delivery performance while maintaining profitability goals. This position carries P&L responsibility for the business unit and oversees all manufacturing operations, including production, performance, development, and inventory control.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Operations Management
  • Develop and implement comprehensive manufacturing strategies
  • Manage P&L responsibilities and maintain budgetary compliance
  • Drive operational performance through productivity improvements and cost reduction
  • Ensure quality excellence and on-time delivery across all facilities
  • Oversee facility operations, maintenance, and inventory control functions
  • Implement and maintain operational standards per corporate policies

Performance & Quality Management
  • Establish and monitor performance metrics
  • Drive continuous improvement through Lean/Six Sigma initiatives
  • Maintain quality and safety standards compliance
  • Partner with corporate functions to improve cost, quality, and delivery metrics
  • Optimize resource allocation across equipment, facilities, and personnel

Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead and develop manufacturing management teams
  • Establish performance goals and objectives for direct/indirect reports
  • Implement succession planning and leadership development programs
  • Make key employment decisions regarding hiring, promotions, and terminations
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and development planning
  • Manage employee relations and maintain accurate time-keeping records

Business Partnership & Innovation
  • Participate in regional and global supply chain strategy development
  • Partner with senior business leaders on continuous improvement initiatives
  • Drive innovation in manufacturing processes and cost management
  • Facilitate best practices sharing and benchmarking across facilities
  • Collaborate with support functions to achieve organizational goals

Qualifications required:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or related field

Experience
  • 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience
  • 5+ years of senior leadership experience in manufacturing
  • Demonstrated P&L management experience
  • Strong understanding of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
  • Experience leading large manufacturing operations

Additional Qualifications, preferred:
  • Master's degree in Business Administration or related field
  • Lean/Six Sigma certification
  • Experience with manufacturing ERP systems
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies
  • Strong collaboration skills across teams and stakeholders

Work Environment:
This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support production and distribution needs.
Benefits We Offer:
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
  • Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Life Insurance

Our Core Values:
  • Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.
  • (Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.
  • Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.
  • Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.
  • Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.
  • Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.
  • Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:
Corporate Social Responsibility
View Our Corporate Brochure
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.
* Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

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