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OUTFORM

Director of Manufacturing

OUTFORM, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Overview At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate. Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences. Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.

Job Summary The Director of Manufacturing

plays a crucial role in shaping the manufacturing strategy and ensuring the production process aligns with the company’s goals. The role requires a blend of technical skills and expertise, strong leadership, strategic oversight, and the ability to manage a dynamic manufacturing environment centered around short run jobs. This role oversees the operations and strategy of our Outform Chicago facility, managing the production of retail displays and marketing materials, ensuring quality standards, overseeing inventory management, and optimizing efficiency in manufacturing, kitting, assembly and fulfillment operations. They ensure all aspects of production, from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products, run smoothly and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Oversee & manage all operations of the Outform Chicago Facility to ensure jobs are produced efficiently, on time, and within budget

Monitor production schedules and ensure resources are properly planned, including adjustments to ensure on-time delivery of materials, prototypes, and finished goods, adhering to manufacturing and quality protocols

Oversee the costs of the facility, and develop/manage capital budgets to align with margins and volume fluctuations, optimizing expenses while ensuring resources are available to meet production plans

Develop monthly KPIs to manage productivity, efficiency, output, throughput, quality, and costs; conduct training, set targets, and implement regular performance reviews

Oversee and manage inventory levels to ensure proper inventory management and organization

Create and execute manufacturing strategies that align with company goals while promoting continuous improvement and maintaining operational flexibility

Identify bottlenecks in production and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity

Maintain and develop quality control standards to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations within budget

Recruit, train, and maintain a high-performing manufacturing team that is flexible to a dynamic environment

Collaborate with engineering, design, development, account management, and procurement teams to ensure seamless coordination

Provide regular skills matrix updates to project management to align team abilities with upcoming projects

Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with legal regulations and industry standards, promoting a culture of safety

Participate in developing environmental manufacturing protocols to align with customer needs (as needed)

Own plant KPIs for quality, on-time delivery, and performance

Ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards

Oversee facility systems maintenance (equipment, HVAC, plumbing, etc.), ensuring preventive maintenance schedules are followed

Coordinate responses to facility emergencies efficiently

Foster a culture of continuous improvement

Occasionally engage with clients to understand needs and address concerns related to product quality or timelines

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree (MBA or Engineering Management) preferred

Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, ISO standards, or other relevant manufacturing methodologies strongly preferred

Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a dynamic, short-run manufacturing environment. Ability to drive strategic initiatives and foster accountability and continuous improvement

Expertise in short-run manufacturing, kitting, printing/die cutting, and fulfillment operations. Strong understanding of supply chain optimization, inventory control, and production scheduling

Advanced analytical skills with experience using KPIs and operational data to drive performance improvements, cost control, and capital planning

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments including engineering, design, procurement, and account management

Knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental protocols, and facility safety standards. Experience implementing and maintaining compliance programs

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