Director of Manufacturing

Position Overview

The Director of Manufacturing is an exempt, multi-site leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient and high‑quality production.

This role provides strategic leadership across multiple chemical production facilities, specifically focusing on batch ink manufacturing and OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) regulated operations bridging the gap between executive strategy and floor-level execution, ensuring all plants meet rigorous safety, quality and production benchmarks. The Director of Manufacturing uses independent judgment to influence long‑range planning, improve operational performance, manage budgets and lead cross‑functional teams in support of business goals. This role is based onsite in Fort Mill, South Carolina and requires travel. During the first year, the position will involve a higher level of travel to support engagement across multiple manufacturing facilities. Over time, travel is expected to normalize to approximately 25% or less.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi‑year manufacturing strategy aligned to market growth and operational excellence
• Lead consolidation, standardization and “center of excellence” initiatives across sites
• Drive Lean/CI programs to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance KPIs
• Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures and performance metrics
• Oversee PSM, safety and regulatory compliance across chemical batch operations
• Partner cross‑functionally (R&D, Supply Chain, Engineering) on production, innovation and capacity planning
• Lead cultural transformation and change management across autonomous facilities
• Manage budgets, capital planning and cost optimization initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field required; advanced degree preferred
• 10 or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least five years at the manager or director level
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies strongly preferred

Key Strengths

• Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capability
• Change agent able to influence culture and challenge legacy practices
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs and operational drivers
• Effective leader of large, dispersed teams
• Ability to balance immediate operational needs with long‑term growth strategy

About Aris Amplify

This search is being conducted by Aris Amplify, a Charles Aris Inc. company. We specialize in connecting top-tier talent with growth-oriented companies across the country in accounting and finance, engineering and operations, sales and marketing, and HR and executive support — all on a contingent basis. We are committed to creating meaningful connections between exceptional talent and dynamic organizations through a focused, efficient and personalized recruiting process. Learn more about our approach at charlesaris.com/aris-amplify-recruiting-services.