Director of Manufacturing Operations

Protolabs • Rosemount, MN

15d

About The Position

The Director of Manufacturing Operation, Production is responsible for leading and optimizing all production activities within a high‑mix, fast‑paced manufacturing environment. This leader will own plant‑level operations, including safety, production, process engineering, maintenance, workforce leadership, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• 10+ years in manufacturing/operations leadership
• Deep production experience
• Proven capability in precision, high-volume, and technologically advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in strengthening productions processes and systems through disciplined execution and continuous improvement
• Strong cross-cultural leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in regulated environments (e.g., ISO 13485, ITAR, CGMC, CMMC)
• Experience scaling production activities, and adding new product families (e.g. technology, new equipment, new processes)

Responsibilities

• Own plant operations—production, maintenance, safety, quality, delivery, and financial performance.
• Champion a Safety First culture and drive daily performance (OTD, quality, throughput, cost, rework, labor).
• Optimize staffing, scheduling, capacity, and workflow.
• Build scalable processes with Process Engineering; remove bottlenecks using Lean/Kaizen/5S and visual controls.
• Set the Manufacturing Operations roadmap; turn strategy into KPIs and executable plans; manage the operating budget and margins.
• Ensure operational readiness and effective change management for new technologies, capabilities, and products.
• Partner cross-functionally to enable flawless execution and resolve customer and production escalations.
• Lead, develop, and empower the site leadership team; set the tone for accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement; represent the facility to employees, customers, and executives.

Benefits

• salary + annual bonus opportunity
• Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
• Dental and Vision
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid caregiver leave
• Self-Managed PTO + Holiday Pay + Wellness Hours + Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rate
• Matching grants through Protolabs foundation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed