Director of Manufacturing Operations

MRA Recruiting Services • Antioch, IL

31d • $150,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Due to continued growth and capacity expansion, Fischer Paper Products is currently seeking a full-time Manufacturing Operations Director to join our team. This role will work onsite full-time at our newly built headquarters in Antioch, IL. This position will report directly to the President/Owner and will cover a broad base of responsibilities within a modern manufacturing environment. In this role, you will collaborate with fellow management team members to foster a strong, unified culture of synergy and cross-functional teamwork. You’ll get to take the business strategy and cascade it down with hands-on oversight of production, quality, safety, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, warehouse, and facilities. This is a career-transforming opportunity for an individual who is passionate about developing teams, processes, systems, and growing together towards success! Who We Are With a 53-year history, Fischer Paper Products is a family company with more than three generations of experience in manufacturing and supplying high-quality, food-safe paper packaging to nationally recognized customers in the foodservice industry. Focused on building our future together, Fischer Paper Products is positioned for exciting growth – for the company and each of our 140 team members. We are a people-first organization with plans to grow to 200 team members over the next 3-5 years. Our purpose is to be a trusted employer and supplier of choice, by doing what’s right for our team, our customers, and our community. You will enjoy it here if you… Believe in the value of building strong working relationships Thrive in a high-growth and changing environment Delight in daily interactions with all levels of employees – in the office and on the production floor Are a fair and equitable leader who likes to help others succeed Find satisfaction in fostering engagement, cohesion, and personal connection Are passionate about establishing people, process, and technology structures for sustainable growth Love understanding how things work – and making them better Position Overview - Manufacturing Operations Director Lead and assist with continuous growth year after year, through innovative solutions delivered in a repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Recent experience in the paper, packaging, printing, or converting industry required
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience
• 7+ years of management experience
• 5+ years leading cross-functional teams to drive transformational improvements
• Strong team development, change management, and facilitation skills
• Expertise in ERP systems, business intelligence tools, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated business partner and leadership skills with ability to scope and understand business needs and define and implement solutions
• Track record of building organizational synergies and aligned teams
• Professional, positive, and people-oriented approach
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative leadership style

Nice To Haves

• PMP Project Management certification preferred
• Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing certifications preferred
• Proven success driving lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve KPIs surrounding safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people.
• Overall responsibility for manufacturing budgets, capital expenditures, and financial performance.
• Utilize financial systems to manage cost standards, BOM’s, actual vs. estimated job cost, and to provide timely and accurate financial reports and cost controls.
• Drive improvements in supply chain; including demand planning, inventory, logistics, S&OP process, etc.
• Lead partnership and learning between departments and ensure best practices are implemented.
• Develop and implement operations strategies that improve execution and provide additional value to customers in a cost-effective manner.
• Devise and execute structural changes needed to ensure success; including staffing, scheduling, capacity planning, and asset utilization.
• Work cross-functionally to support the processes for qualifying new business, developing new products, approving new raw material suppliers, resolving customer complaints, and improving the customer experience.
• Actively seek ways in which to act as a role model; guiding, developing, and mentoring others within the Operations Department.
• Managerial responsibilities to include hiring, onboarding, training, coaching and developing; planning, assigning and directing work; performance management.
• Oversight of driving excellence in Food Safety and OSHA compliance, preventive maintenance, facilities housekeeping and sanitation, and overall representation of Fischer's brand image.
• Foster a high-performance culture of learning, growth, transparency, engagement, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Strong potential career advancement in the short and long-term
• A friendly, business casual work environment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + company sponsored Medical Reimbursement Program + 401(k) with employer matching + additional life and well-being offerings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director