Director of Manufacturing

KLR Executive Search Group is partnering with Pete’s Tire Barns (www.petestire.com) to recruit a newly created Director of Manufacturing to lead operations across three retread manufacturing facilities in New England. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing operator who thrives in fast-paced production environments and enjoys building teams, driving consistency, and improving operational performance across multiple sites. The company is recognized for its strong culture, operational excellence, customer commitment, and continued growth through acquisitions and expansion initiatives.

The Director of Manufacturing will oversee daily production operations across three retread facilities located in:

• South Windsor, CT
• Orange, MA
• Rutland, VT

This role requires a “player-coach” leader who is comfortable being highly engaged in day-to-day operations while driving process standardization, team development, safety, quality, and operational efficiency across all locations. This is a hybrid position with travel to CT, VT, and MA. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing leadership experience and enjoys working in a hands-on environment with significant visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across all three facilities.
• Drive consistency in production processes, workflows, and operational standards.
• Improve throughput, efficiency, and plant performance.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and workforce development initiatives.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams across multiple locations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements company-wide.
• Travel regularly between facilities to maintain alignment and accountability.

Qualifications:

• 3–5+ years of manufacturing, plant, or facilities management leadership experience.
• Strong background in production-driven operations.
• Experience leading teams across multiple locations preferred.
• Proven ability to improve operational consistency and efficiency.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong execution skills.
• Comfortable traveling extensively throughout New England.
• Tire retread or related industrial manufacturing experience is a plus, but not required.

Compensation: $150k – 175K base plus bonus and benefits, including a company vehicle.