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Manufacturing Strategy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nestle

Co-Manufacturing Manager

Bohemia, NY · On-site +1

Co-Manufacturing Strategy: Develops and ensures Co-manufacturing strategy is aligned to the Business strategy; leads the capability assessment process, including coordination of required assessments ...

JetZero

Head of Manufacturing

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Strategic Leadership * Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy for JetZero's blended wing aircraft program, including production planning, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. * Build a world ...

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Manufacturing Strategy information

See salary details

$30.5K

$97.6K

$153.5K

How much do manufacturing strategy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing strategy in the United States is $97,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is manufacturing strategy?

Manufacturing strategy refers to the long-term plan and set of decisions that guide a company's manufacturing operations to align with overall business objectives. It involves selecting the right technologies, processes, and resources to maximize efficiency, quality, and responsiveness to market demands. A well-defined manufacturing strategy helps organizations achieve competitive advantage by optimizing production costs, improving product quality, and adapting to changing customer needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Manufacturing Strategy, and why are they important?

To excel in Manufacturing Strategy, you need strong analytical skills, a background in industrial engineering or business, and experience in process optimization and supply chain management. Familiarity with ERP systems, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and data analytics tools is highly valuable. Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for driving change and aligning cross-functional teams. These competencies enable professionals to develop and implement strategies that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in manufacturing operations.

How does a Manufacturing Strategy professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

A Manufacturing Strategy professional frequently works closely with teams in engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality management to identify areas for process optimization and cost savings. This collaboration often involves leading workshops, facilitating data-driven discussions, and aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals. The role requires strong communication and project management skills to ensure that strategic initiatives are implemented effectively and deliver measurable results. By bridging gaps between departments, Manufacturing Strategy professionals help create cohesive plans that support the company's long-term manufacturing objectives.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Strategy vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectManufacturing StrategyManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping long-term manufacturing plans and aligning production with business goalsDesigning, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; often an MBA or strategic planning experienceBachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning meetings, cross-department collaboration, executive settingsFactory floors, process design labs, technical project environments
Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing managers, supply chain planners, and executivesUsed by manufacturing engineers, process engineers, and production teams

Manufacturing Strategy focuses on high-level planning and aligning manufacturing operations with business objectives, while Manufacturing Engineers are hands-on professionals who design and optimize manufacturing processes. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within the manufacturing industry.

More about Manufacturing Strategy jobs
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Strategy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Strategy jobs are:
Manufacturing Strategy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Strategy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,556 per year, or $46.9 per hour.
Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence

Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence

Axon

Phoenix, AZ

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Axon rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Your Impact

As Senior Director, Global Manufacturing Excellence, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping how Axon scales its global manufacturing network to support rapid growth, product innovation, and operational excellence.

Reporting to the SVP, Global Manufacturing Operations, you will lead Axon's contract manufacturing strategy and execution while building the systems, processes, and partnerships needed to deliver world-class performance across our global operations network. You will have the opportunity to influence both external manufacturing partners and internal teams, ensuring we deliver against cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and innovation goals.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a broad and lasting impact. You will help define Axon's global manufacturing footprint, strengthen strategic partner relationships, and build the operational excellence capabilities that enable the business to scale. If you are energized by transforming complex operations, leading high-performing teams, and building for the future, this is a chance to drive meaningful impact at a mission-driven company.

What You'll DoContract Manufacturing Strategy & Performance
  • Own performance of global contract manufacturers, including cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness
  • Partner with Strategic Sourcing to develop and execute Axon's global contract manufacturing strategy, including partner selection, segmentation, and footprint optimization
  • Establish and manage executive-level relationships with key manufacturing partners
  • Partner with Global Supply Chain to support contract negotiations and ongoing supplier governance
  • Drive accountability through robust governance, scorecards, and performance management systems
  • Ensure manufacturing scalability to support rapid growth, new product introduction (NPI), and geographic expansion
Manufacturing Excellence
  • Define and implement a standardized manufacturing excellence framework across internal and external operations
  • Drive best-in-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC)
  • Establish global standards for manufacturing processes and operational metrics
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and execution teams to ensure seamless product industrialization, production ramp, and capacity utilization
  • Champion digital manufacturing, automation, and data-driven operations in partnership with the Operations Business Accelerators team
Continuous Improvement & Transformation
  • Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen
  • Build and scale a culture of continuous improvement across global teams and manufacturing partners
  • Identify and execute productivity, cost reduction, and efficiency opportunities
  • Drive business process standardization and simplification across manufacturing operations
  • Partner with Operations Business Accelerators across data, automation, and manufacturing operating systems to embed scalable solutions
Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner closely with Supply Chain, Product, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to ensure aligned execution
  • Drive strong integration between contract manufacturers and internal teams
  • Support new product introduction and ensure smooth transitions into volume production
  • Align manufacturing capabilities with Axon's product roadmap and business strategy
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
  • Build and lead a high-performing global team across contract manufacturing management and operational excellence functions
  • Develop leadership bench strength and succession plans
  • Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations
  • Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous learning
What You BringExperience
  • 10-15+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain leadership
  • Significant experience managing contract manufacturers at scale, ideally across global, multi-partner networks
  • Proven track record of driving operational excellence and continuous improvement transformations
  • Experience in high-growth, complex hardware or industrial environments strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated success leading large, cross-functional teams and influencing executive stakeholders
Skills
  • Deep expertise in manufacturing operations, supplier performance management, and quality systems
  • Strong financial acumen, including cost modeling and margin optimization
  • Data-driven decision-making experience, including use of analytics and digital tools
  • Excellent executive communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to operate strategically while driving strong executional detail
Leadership Attributes
  • Results-oriented with a strong bias for action
  • Brings an external mindset and the ability to build and manage high-stakes partnerships
  • Proven change agent with experience leading transformation at scale
  • High accountability and ownership mentality
  • Ability to influence across boundaries and lead through complexity
Benefits that Benefit You
  • Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
  • Discretionary paid time off
  • Paid parental leave for all
  • Medical, Dental, Vision plans
  • Fitness Programs
  • Emotional & Mental Wellness support
  • Learning & Development programs
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.

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