Whirlpool Corporation
Director, Manufacturing Innovation
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States, 49022
Requisition ID:
69758
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales—close to 90 % of which were in the Americas—44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
The team you will be a part of
The Engineering team discovers, develops and evaluates new product ideas, enhancements, or strategic product extensions, and translates research discoveries into usable and marketable products. Leads, plans and tracks all phases of the product life cycle, from inception to introduction into the marketplace. Coordinates with various functions to ensure successful product development and implementation.
This Role In Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Director, Manufacturing Innovation to lead the strategic transformation of our production processes and applied technologies. This critical engineering leadership role is responsible for driving continuous improvement, leveraging core technology expertise, and implementing Intelligent Factory systems to achieve world‑class efficiency, quality, and cost performance across all manufacturing operations. The Director will be instrumental in defining the future state of our production systems and ensuring the effective deployment of innovative solutions that directly impact our key business metrics.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Process and Applied Technologies Innovation: Lead and execute a strategic shift toward Process and Applied Technologies Innovation, moving beyond traditional methods to implement cutting‑edge manufacturing techniques and equipment.
Core Technology Development: Drive the development of Key core technologies Subject Matter Expertise (SME) within the engineering and manufacturing teams, fostering a culture of deep technical knowledge and continuous learning.
System Definition and Management (BOP/IPS): Define, manage, and govern the Bill of Process (BOP) and the Ideal Production System (IPS) framework. Ensure these definitions are standardized, optimized, and serve as the blueprint for all new and existing production lines.
Intelligent Factory Deployment: Oversee the strategy, planning, and execution for the global deployment of the Intelligent Factory system, including advanced analytics, IIoT, machine learning, and automation integration across manufacturing sites.
Metric Ownership: Directly influence and manage initiatives related to the core operational and financial metrics, including Total Variable Cost, Product Quality, Capital Investment efficiency, and success of Factory digitalization.
Cross‑Functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with R&D, Product Engineering, Operations, and IT to align innovation efforts with product roadmaps and business goals.
Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of innovation and process engineers, establishing clear objectives and performance standards for technical excellence.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering or related field.
10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or technology innovation within a high‐volume production environment.
Proven experience in successfully leading and implementing major manufacturing transformation initiatives (e.g., lean manufacturing, Industry 4.0, advanced automation).
Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing complex production systems similar to the Bill of Process (BOP) or equivalent standards.
Strong analytical skills with a track record of driving improvements in operational metrics such as cost, quality, and capital utilization.
Prior experience in a global manufacturing environment, defining and rolling out standardized systems across multiple sites.
Deep knowledge and practical experience with Intelligent Factory or Smart Manufacturing technologies (e.g., MES systems, IIoT platforms, digital twins, robotics).
Preferred Skills And Experiences
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Engineering or a related field.
Certified in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black Belt, or other recognized continuous improvement methodologies.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills necessary to drive large‑scale organizational and technological change.
Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
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69758
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales—close to 90 % of which were in the Americas—44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
The team you will be a part of
The Engineering team discovers, develops and evaluates new product ideas, enhancements, or strategic product extensions, and translates research discoveries into usable and marketable products. Leads, plans and tracks all phases of the product life cycle, from inception to introduction into the marketplace. Coordinates with various functions to ensure successful product development and implementation.
This Role In Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Director, Manufacturing Innovation to lead the strategic transformation of our production processes and applied technologies. This critical engineering leadership role is responsible for driving continuous improvement, leveraging core technology expertise, and implementing Intelligent Factory systems to achieve world‑class efficiency, quality, and cost performance across all manufacturing operations. The Director will be instrumental in defining the future state of our production systems and ensuring the effective deployment of innovative solutions that directly impact our key business metrics.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Process and Applied Technologies Innovation: Lead and execute a strategic shift toward Process and Applied Technologies Innovation, moving beyond traditional methods to implement cutting‑edge manufacturing techniques and equipment.
Core Technology Development: Drive the development of Key core technologies Subject Matter Expertise (SME) within the engineering and manufacturing teams, fostering a culture of deep technical knowledge and continuous learning.
System Definition and Management (BOP/IPS): Define, manage, and govern the Bill of Process (BOP) and the Ideal Production System (IPS) framework. Ensure these definitions are standardized, optimized, and serve as the blueprint for all new and existing production lines.
Intelligent Factory Deployment: Oversee the strategy, planning, and execution for the global deployment of the Intelligent Factory system, including advanced analytics, IIoT, machine learning, and automation integration across manufacturing sites.
Metric Ownership: Directly influence and manage initiatives related to the core operational and financial metrics, including Total Variable Cost, Product Quality, Capital Investment efficiency, and success of Factory digitalization.
Cross‑Functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with R&D, Product Engineering, Operations, and IT to align innovation efforts with product roadmaps and business goals.
Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of innovation and process engineers, establishing clear objectives and performance standards for technical excellence.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering or related field.
10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or technology innovation within a high‐volume production environment.
Proven experience in successfully leading and implementing major manufacturing transformation initiatives (e.g., lean manufacturing, Industry 4.0, advanced automation).
Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing complex production systems similar to the Bill of Process (BOP) or equivalent standards.
Strong analytical skills with a track record of driving improvements in operational metrics such as cost, quality, and capital utilization.
Prior experience in a global manufacturing environment, defining and rolling out standardized systems across multiple sites.
Deep knowledge and practical experience with Intelligent Factory or Smart Manufacturing technologies (e.g., MES systems, IIoT platforms, digital twins, robotics).
Preferred Skills And Experiences
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Engineering or a related field.
Certified in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black Belt, or other recognized continuous improvement methodologies.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills necessary to drive large‑scale organizational and technological change.
Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
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