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Director Manufacturing Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Director of Technical Services

Merced, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

* Lead food safety, quality, and R&D for a large, established food manufacturer * Partner directly ... The Technical Services Director will assess existing systems and processes, establish priorities ...

New

Plant Manager

Turlock, CA

$170K - $190K/yr

Why Valley Milk? State-of-the-art dairy manufacturing facility Privately owned by California dairy families with long-term vision Industry-leading A2/A2 milk supply Growth-oriented leadership team ...

Shift Manager Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

As part of the world's largest almond processing manufacturer, this role will lead and develop an ... Collaborates with the Site Director and the Site Leadership Team to provide the development and ...

Shift Manager Operations

Turlock, CA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

As part of the world's largest almond processing manufacturer, this role will lead and develop an ... Collaborates with the Site Director and the Site Leadership Team to provide the development and ...

Direct production employees, assign work, and ensure daily production goals are achieved * Oversee ... Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production flow, sanitation, and continuous improvement

Controls Engineer II

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

... manufacturing solutions. Job Responsibilities * Develop/modify PLC and HMI from support requests as directed by manager * Provide 24/7 support while on call for designated time frame * Prepare ...

Under direct supervision, learns operational processes necessary to achieve production goals, targets, and opportunities for the entire production line. Upholds the core Blue Diamond Manufacturing ...

Under direct supervision, learns operational processes necessary to achieve production goals, targets, and opportunities for the entire production line. Upholds the core Blue Diamond Manufacturing ...

Under direct supervision, learns operational processes necessary to achieve production goals, targets, and opportunities for the entire production line. Upholds the core Blue Diamond Manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Manufacturing information

See Merced, CA salary details

$73.4K

$149.8K

$221.2K

How much do director manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing in Merced, CA is $149,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,700.00 and $176,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director manufacturing do?

A Director of Manufacturing oversees all aspects of the production process within a manufacturing organization. They are responsible for ensuring that manufacturing operations run efficiently, meet quality standards, and achieve production targets within budget constraints. Their duties often include developing strategies to improve productivity, managing teams and resources, implementing safety protocols, and collaborating with other departments such as engineering and supply chain. Additionally, they analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

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

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing, you need expertise in production management, process optimization, and a strong background in engineering or manufacturing, often supported by a relevant degree and leadership experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications such as Six Sigma are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive team performance and foster continuous improvement. These competencies ensure efficient operations, high product quality, and achievement of organizational goals in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are the primary challenges a director manufacturing might face when scaling production operations?

A Director of Manufacturing often encounters challenges such as maintaining product quality while increasing output, ensuring supply chain reliability, and managing workforce scalability. Balancing cost efficiency with innovation and compliance to safety regulations can also be demanding, especially during rapid growth phases. Effective communication and collaboration across departments—such as engineering, procurement, and quality assurance—are critical to successfully scaling operations and meeting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing vs Production Manager?

AspectDirector ManufacturingProduction Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire manufacturing operations, strategic planning, and long-term goalsManages daily production activities, schedules, and team supervision
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; experience in production roles
Work EnvironmentExecutive office, plant oversight, cross-department collaborationFactory floor, production lines, team management
Industry UsageCommonly used in large manufacturing firms and corporationsUsed across manufacturing plants of all sizes

The main difference between a Director Manufacturing and a Production Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director Manufacturing oversees overall manufacturing operations and long-term planning, while the Production Manager handles daily production activities and team supervision. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the Director position involves higher-level decision-making and broader responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Merced, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Director Manufacturing jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Manufacturing jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Director Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Director Manufacturing job openings:

Director of Technical Services

Merced, CA • On-site

3P Partners
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

  • Lead food safety, quality, and R&D for a large, established food manufacturer
  • Partner directly with the COO to strengthen technical systems, drive process improvement, and build a proactive quality culture
  • On-site position in Merced County, CA; $180K-$200K base salary + bonus

About the Role
Reporting to the COO, this is a senior technical leadership role with broad responsibility across manufacturing, quality, food safety, process improvement, product development, and customer technical support. The Technical Services Director will assess existing systems and processes, establish priorities, and lead a multi-year roadmap to strengthen the technical function as the business continues to grow.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in thermal and aseptic processing with the leadership presence to operate as a trusted partner to senior management. This person will lead a capable technical team, strengthen cross-functional collaboration with plant operations, and bring greater rigor and consistency to quality systems, documentation, and problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead food safety, quality, microbiology, and R&D, developing the team and strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
  • Drive investigation and resolution of microbiological, food safety, and quality issues.
  • Strengthen technical systems and documentation, including sanitation, hygiene, change management, corrective actions, and audit preparedness.
  • Optimize thermal and aseptic processing to improve product quality, consistency, reliability, and manufacturing performance.
  • Support new product development, process improvement, and commercialization.
  • Improve customer complaint and corrective action processes in partnership with Operations.
  • Serve as a technical resource for customers and translate customer needs into manufacturing and R&D priorities.

Candidate Profile
  • Significant technical leadership experience within large-scale food manufacturing.
  • Deep experience with thermal and aseptic processing.
  • Experience leading Quality Assurance, Food Safety, microbiology, and/or R&D functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and lead the response to microbiological and food safety issues.
  • Experience with evaporators and kill steps is a plus.
  • Strong, hands-on leader who can operate autonomously, develop others, and influence across functions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
  • Able to work onsite five days per week in Merced County.