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Manufacturing Engineering / Operational Excellence Manager – Furniture Manufacturing
Location: Clayton, NC (On-Site)
Full-Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $130,000 – $160,000
Ashton North is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineering / Operational Excellence Manager for a leading furniture manufacturer located near Raleigh/Durham, NC. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone with deep manufacturing experience—furniture and upholstery background highly preferred.
This company specializes in contract furniture and uses LEAN Manufacturing principles to navigate a high-mix, low-volume production model. Employee engagement, continuous improvement, and quality assurance are cornerstones of their success, and this role will drive all three.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team focused on cost reduction, lean implementation, and operational excellence
- Develop and implement plant-wide LEAN initiatives and quality control systems
- Oversee the maintenance department, vendor contractors, and PM activities for production machinery
- Manage plant engineering changes, launch readiness, BOMs, routings, and work cell layouts
- Collaborate with product design teams to ensure new product introductions are “production friendly”
- Provide leadership in reviewing product designs to meet cost and efficiency targets
- Maintain and improve manufacturing QA processes in alignment with ISO 9001 / ISO 14000
- Evaluate staffing needs, support recruitment, and drive performance management within the department
- Coordinate supplier development with Purchasing and Design Engineering teams
- Foster employee development and succession planning in partnership with HR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
- 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in furniture or durable goods
- 3+ years of leadership or management experience
- Proven success with LEAN Manufacturing and Quality Assurance methodologies
- Working knowledge of: powder painting, wood finishing, welding, automation, PFMEA, GD&T, PPAP, APQP
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks
- Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills
- P.Eng designation or eligibility strongly preferred
- Ability to travel as needed (domestic and international)
- Competitive base salary ($130K–$160K)
- Excellent health benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- High-impact leadership role with career advancement potential
- Stable and exciting work environment within a growing organization
Salary: $130,000 - $160,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: Yes
Seniority level
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Supply Chain, Engineering, and ManufacturingIndustries
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
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