Director of Manufacturing

Kinsa is recruiting for a: Director of Manufacturing

Location: Greater Fort Wayne, IN Area

A growing food manufacturer is seeking a Director of Manufacturing to provide strategic leadership across its manufacturing operations. This role will own the manufacturing system strategy, establish standards and capabilities across multiple plants, and develop the leadership team needed to drive sustained operational performance. The Director will work closely with Plant Managers and cross-functional leaders to strengthen safety, food safety, operational excellence, continuous improvement, capacity planning, and long-term manufacturing capability.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $200-250k base salary
• 25% Bonus target
• Comprehensive healthcare
• 401(k) with match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Develop and execute the multi-site manufacturing strategy, including a three-year roadmap focused on plant performance, capacity, capability, and business growth.
• Establish and maintain world-class standards for safety, food safety, GFSI/SQF compliance, FSMA, allergen control, and recall/traceability readiness.
• Lead and develop Plant Managers and manufacturing leadership while driving succession planning, talent development, organizational capability, and a strong performance culture.
• Own the manufacturing operating system, standardizing processes, KPIs, operating reviews, and best practices across multiple locations.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement deployment, including Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies, while building CI capability throughout the organization.
• Own manufacturing budgets, labor strategy, capacity planning, capital planning, productivity initiatives, and the automation and manufacturing technology roadmap.
• Partner across Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Food Safety, and HR to improve OEE, throughput, yield, cost, safety, quality, and overall plant performance.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• Proven leadership experience in multi-site or system-level manufacturing, with the ability to set strategy and build organizational capability beyond managing an individual plant.
• Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing, manufacturing operating systems, and continuous improvement governance.
• Strong strategic and systems-thinking skills with experience developing manufacturing roadmaps, standardizing operations, and driving performance across multiple facilities.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including experience with manufacturing budgets, capital planning, productivity, capacity, and cost improvement.
• Demonstrated success developing leaders, building teams, leading organizational change, and influencing effectively across functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience; food or CPG manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need, so if you know someone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass along their name and contact information or share this opportunity with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses when a referral is hired by our client!

Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Savage
stephanies@kinsa.com