Manufacturing Director

OP2 Labs•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

OP2 Labs, a leading consumer goods company and 10X INC 5000 fastest-growing company, is seeking a visionary Manufacturing Director with 10+ years of experience in consumer product manufacturing, with a strong preference for candidates who have led large manufacturing team. This role demands a dynamic, inventive individual who can drive our technology and automation strategy across all manufacturing and locations. This role will represent the first manufacturing hire for the organization, and will require hands-on production work as we staff the team internally.

Requirements

Leadership and Management Abilities Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and collaboration.
Experience in team development and training programs to build skills in manufacturing best practices, technology adoption, and compliance.
Strong strategic planning skills to align manufacturing operations with overall business goals, including scalability for growth and risk management.
Extensive experience with manufacturing, regulations, quality control and automation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including executives, engineers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities to address operational challenges, optimize processes, and drive cost efficiencies.
Commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Willingness to travel as needed for facility oversight, vendor negotiations, or industry conferences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with adaptability to evolving industry trends and technological advancements.
Proven track record in planning, designing, and constructing new commercial manufacturing facilities, including experience with site selection, architectural oversight, and regulatory compliance during build-out phases.
Demonstrated experience in implementing automation systems, robotics, and advanced technologies in manufacturing environments.
Technical Knowledge and Skills Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, including lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement strategies.
Expertise in automation, industrial technology, and digital integration, with the ability to adapt and incorporate emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT, and predictive analytics to optimize production efficiency and quality.
Strong knowledge of quality control systems (e.g., ISO standards, GMP if applicable), manufacturing scheduling tools (e.g., ERP systems like SAP or Oracle), and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, FDA, EPA, or industry-specific standards).
Proficiency in project management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management for large-scale facility development and operational initiatives.
Experience with ClickUp is preferred.
Proven ability to adapt to the evolving industry trends and technologies.
Experience working in a startup environment and comfortable wearing multiple hats.
Project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Degree not required; OP2 values skills and experience over education.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and on-time production that meets or exceeds organizational goals and customer expectations.
Develop and manage manufacturing scheduling processes, including production planning, capacity optimization, and coordination with supply chain and demand forecasting teams to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
Establish, implement, and continuously improve quality control systems and processes, ensuring adherence to product specifications, defect reduction, and achievement of quality performance metrics (e.g., through Six Sigma, lean principles, and statistical process control).
Direct team management, including recruiting, hiring, performance management, development, and leadership of manufacturing staff, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
Design, deliver, and oversee comprehensive training programs for manufacturing personnel to build skills in production best practices, safety protocols, new technologies, and compliance requirements.
Ensure full regulatory compliance across all manufacturing activities, including OSHA, EPA, FDA (if applicable), ISO standards, GMP, environmental regulations, and other industry-specific requirements; manage audits, reporting, and corrective actions.
Oversee the architecture, planning, design, budgeting, and construction of new commercial manufacturing facilities, including site selection, vendor coordination, project management, and integration of infrastructure to support future scalability and operational needs.
Drive the adoption and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, IoT, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven solutions to enhance process efficiency, reduce costs, improve decision-making, and enable smart manufacturing initiatives.
Develop and execute strategic manufacturing plans aligned with company objectives, including long-term capacity planning, process optimization, and implementation of continuous improvement programs to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production output, cost control, quality, safety, on-time delivery, and equipment utilization; prepare regular reports and recommend data-driven improvements.
Manage manufacturing budgets, capital expenditures, resource allocation, and cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining financial accountability.
Foster a strong culture of safety, sustainability, innovation, and employee engagement; lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and promote ethical and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Collaborate closely with executive leadership, engineering, R&D, procurement, sales, and other departments to align manufacturing strategies with broader business priorities and support new product introductions.