Manufacturing Operations Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of industrial development, the role of a Manufacturing Operations Director is more vital than ever.

As industries evolve and expand, the demand for skilled professionals who can orchestively manage, optimize, and secure our manufacturing operations grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Manufacturing Operations Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of manufacturing operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Manufacturing Operations Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Manufacturing Operations Director Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations Directors are responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a manufacturing operation.

This role requires a strategic view to improve processes, drive productivity and efficiency, and ensure the production of high-quality goods.

The duties and responsibilities of a Manufacturing Operations Director include:

• Developing and implementing strategic manufacturing plans to meet the company’s business goals
• Overseeing daily operations, including production, planning, and quality control
• Implementing lean manufacturing methods to optimize productivity and reduce costs
• Monitoring manufacturing processes, identifying any issues and implementing solutions
• Ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Working with other departments such as sales, engineering, and finance to coordinate and improve manufacturing processes
• Managing a team of manufacturing staff, including hiring, training, and professional development
• Reviewing and managing budgets and resources
• Reporting on operational performance to senior management
• Promoting a safe and efficient work environment

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Manufacturing Operations Director to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing our manufacturing processes and ensuring that our production lines run without any problems.

The Manufacturing Operations Director will be tasked with improving efficiency, productivity, and quality, coordinating plant activities, driving operational excellence, and managing staff.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all manufacturing operations, ensuring products are produced on time and are of good quality.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance production quality and capacity.
• Coordinate and direct activities of the production department and set its priorities to ensure timely delivery and quality of products.
• Monitor operating expenses and drive cost reductions.
• Ensure that health and safety regulations are followed.
• Develop and maintain a positive working environment.
• Establish performance goals and review performance against these goals.
• Communicate information about new policies or procedures to staff members.
• Prepare and maintain production reports.
• Ensure all employees follow industry standard health and safety guidelines.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Operations Director or similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing best practices and an understanding of lean manufacturing.
• Excellent leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to optimize production processes.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of industry regulations and guidelines.
• BSc degree in Business Management, Engineering, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Manufacturing Operations Director
• Work Environment: Factory setting. This job often requires working with machinery and potentially hazardous materials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operations Officer or CEO.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Manufacturing Operations Director Do?

A Manufacturing Operations Director typically oversees all operations of a manufacturing plant.

They work with various departments such as production, procurement, maintenance, quality control, and logistics to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Their primary responsibility is to manage and optimize the production process.

This includes implementing lean manufacturing principles, setting production goals, and developing strategies to meet these goals.

Additionally, they ensure the manufacturing process complies with both internal and external quality and safety standards.

This involves regularly reviewing and implementing changes to improve the process and product quality.

Manufacturing Operations Directors also manage budgets, make decisions about equipment use, maintenance, modification, and procurement, and work out and implement standard operating procedures for production operations.

They work closely with human resources to manage personnel issues and oversee hiring, training, and development of staff.

They also coordinate with sales and marketing teams to align manufacturing capabilities with market demands.

They are also responsible for problem-solving any challenges that arise in the manufacturing process, whether technical or logistical, and implementing solutions to mitigate them.

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Qualifications and Skills

A Manufacturing Operations Director requires a blend of management and technical skills to oversee and optimize manufacturing processes.

These include:

• Strong leadership skills to direct, manage and motivate a team of manufacturing workers and professionals.
• Operational knowledge of manufacturing procedures, standards, and regulatory guidelines to ensure all processes are compliant and efficient.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify and resolve operational issues, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
• Highly developed communication skills to liaise effectively with staff at all levels, as well as with external stakeholders such as suppliers and clients.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources, with a strong understanding of financial and business principles to guide strategic decisions.
• Understanding of quality assurance, safety standards, and lean manufacturing principles, with the ability to implement them in the workplace.
• Strong planning and organizational skills to ensure production schedules and objectives are met.
• Technical skills to understand and oversee complex manufacturing machinery and systems.
• Understanding of supply chain management and logistics for effective coordination and optimization of resources.

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Experience Requirements

Manufacturing Operations Directors typically require substantial experience in the manufacturing industry, often a minimum of 10 years.

This experience should ideally be in a variety of roles, providing a broad understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain management.

Entry-level candidates would typically start in roles such as Manufacturing Engineer or Production Supervisor, gaining practical experience in the daily operations of a manufacturing facility.

This experience is crucial in understanding the intricacies of production processes and personnel management.

Mid-level candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may progress to roles such as Plant Manager or Production Manager.

In these roles, they gain experience in managing larger teams, overseeing multiple production lines, and developing and implementing strategies for efficiency and productivity.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience may progress to roles such as Operations Manager, where they gain experience in managing the entire manufacturing operation, including supply chain, procurement, and budgeting.

Candidates aspiring to become Manufacturing Operations Directors should ideally have experience in strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, and a deep understanding of manufacturing principles and lean methodologies.

They should also have demonstrated their ability to lead and inspire teams, drive continuous improvement and manage complex manufacturing operations.

Additional qualifications, such as an MBA or a degree in a related field like Industrial Engineering, can be beneficial.

Relevant certifications, such as Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Six Sigma, can also enhance a candidate’s suitability for this role.

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Education and Training Requirements

A Manufacturing Operations Director typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business management, engineering, or a related field.

This role demands a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operations management, and cost management.

Therefore, relevant coursework in these areas is highly beneficial.

Several years of experience in a manufacturing environment is often required, and many Directors have worked their way up through various roles within the industry.

This experience provides an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing process, which is crucial for this leadership role.

A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field can be advantageous for this position, particularly for those seeking employment in a larger organization.

An MBA program may help develop skills in strategic planning, financial management, and leadership, all of which are useful for a Manufacturing Operations Director.

Several professional organizations offer certifications that can enhance a Manufacturing Operations Director’s credentials.

For example, the Association for Operations Management (APICS) offers a Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) credential, which verifies an individual’s knowledge in production and inventory management.

Additionally, continuing education and professional development are important for staying abreast of advancements in manufacturing technologies and strategies.

This could be achieved through seminars, workshops, industry conferences, or additional coursework.

Finally, strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role, as it often involves coordinating with various departments and leading a team towards achieving manufacturing goals.

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Salary Expectations

A Manufacturing Operations Director earns an average salary of $119,138 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as industry, years of experience, company size, and geographical location.

 

Manufacturing Operations Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Manufacturing Operations Director need?

A Manufacturing Operations Director should have strong leadership skills to manage and inspire a large team.

They must possess strategic thinking abilities to plan and implement manufacturing processes.

Excellent communication skills are essential to coordinate with different departments and to provide clear instructions.

Analytical skills are also important for this role, as they must regularly assess operational performance and identify areas for improvement.

 

Do Manufacturing Operations Directors need a degree?

Most Manufacturing Operations Directors have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, or a related field.

However, some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

In addition to formal education, extensive experience in manufacturing operations is typically required.

 

What should you look for in a Manufacturing Operations Director resume?

Firstly, check for a relevant educational background and extensive experience in manufacturing operations.

This should include experience in a leadership role, such as a manufacturing manager or supervisor.

Look for evidence of successful process improvements, cost reductions, and increases in manufacturing efficiency.

Additionally, skills in strategic planning, project management, and team leadership are desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Manufacturing Operations Director?

A good Manufacturing Operations Director must be a strong leader who can motivate a team towards common goals.

They should be detail-oriented and analytical, able to identify problems and implement effective solutions.

They must also be decisive and able to make important decisions under pressure.

Good communication skills are also crucial, as they must liaise with different departments and levels of management.

 

How can a Manufacturing Operations Director improve operations efficiency?

A Manufacturing Operations Director can improve operational efficiency by developing and implementing strategic plans, investing in advanced technology, and promoting continuous improvement.

They can also streamline processes, reduce waste, and optimize resource allocation.

Further, they can improve efficiency by maintaining a well-trained, motivated workforce and fostering a culture of productivity and excellence.

 

Conclusion

So there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a Manufacturing Operations Director.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing processes.

It’s about sculpting the backbone of industry, one production line at a time.

With our handy Manufacturing Operations Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Go even further with our job description generator. It’s your ladder to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every production line is a cog in the larger machine.

Let’s shape that industrial future. Together.

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