Director of Manufacturing Job at OUTFORM in Chicago

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