Manufacturing Strategy & Operations Lead

Manufacturing Strategy & Operations Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled candidate with deep expertise in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, and capacity planning. This individual will support the development and execution of global manufacturing strategies - including footprint optimization and capital investment planning - to ensure scalable, cost-effective operations that align with long-term business growth at an expanding F500 company.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing leadership experience, a global mindset, cross-functional collaboration skills, and proven experience working across multiple product lines, facilities, and regions.

Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Strategy & Global Footprint Optimization

• Evaluate and recommend manufacturing footprint strategies considering factors such as cost, geopolitical risk, technology enablement, supply chain resiliency, and customer proximity.
• Identify demand signals, determine capacity constraints, and drive cross-functional collaboration to solve for any capacity gaps.
• Support make-vs-buy and vertical integration analyses aligned with product and process needs.

Capacity Planning & CAPEX Management

• Conduct in-depth capacity modeling, scenario planning, and throughput analysis for multiple product lines.
• Lead capital expenditure planning and justification for manufacturing investments, equipment, and facility expansions.
• Identify and implement solutions to optimize plant loading, equipment utilization, and capital deployment.
• Partner with regional and plant teams to ensure alignment with growth forecasts and demand variability.

Scalability & Industrial Engineering

• Apply industrial engineering principles to drive efficiency, throughput, and continuous improvement across manufacturing sites.
• Conduct manufacturing research to evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and production methodologies.
• Promote scalable manufacturing processes, modular BoP strategies, and digital factory principles.
• Support new product introduction by integrating design for manufacturability principles and capacity readiness into early planning.

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment on strategic manufacturing decisions.
• Own stakeholder management to the executive level, presenting to senior leadership on a regular basis.
• Support product transfers and ramp-ups across regions, ensuring minimal disruption and operational continuity.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Leverage manufacturing and business intelligence data (e.g., MES, ERP, capacity tools) to drive strategic planning.
• Develop and maintain models for manufacturing cost, utilization, and capacity scenario analysis.

A Strong Candidate Will Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering/Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or equivalent experience
• 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or plant leadership
• Knowledge of global supply chain dynamics, geopolitical influences, and total landed cost analysis
• Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills; able to influence at all levels
• Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement background
• Experience managing manufacturing footprint requirements and facility planning
• Strong CAPEX planning and justification experience
• Strong analytical skills, including financial modeling and use of simulation or capacity planning software (e.g., Simio or equivalent)
• Experience with digital manufacturing tools (e.g., MES, digital twins) is a plus.
• Prior experience in plant management, production management, or multi-shift operations leadership preferred

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 10%