Our client is a leader in power distribution equipment and related services at the heart of supporting our electrical infrastructure. Team members focus on producing the highest quality products in the industry and providing industry-leading service. Safety and integrity are their guiding principles, and they work together to achieve excellence for their customers every day. Our client's team members are their most important asset, and they expect this position to play a critical role in achieving their objectives.

Our client is in search of an experienced and visionary Senior Director of Manufacturing to lead multiple factory locations and drive manufacturing operations to new heights through transformational thinking. You will be responsible for the enterprise-wide factory locations, with site manufacturing leaders reporting directly to you. Your disruptive and transformational thinking, innovative mindset, and results-driven approach will be instrumental in achieving the Operations and Company Strategic goals and building for the future.  You will be expected to deliver core foundational metrics, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Cost, and People, to ensure manufacturing operations are optimized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

This role will report to the Chief Operations Officer and will be based in the Faribault, MN or Burnsville, MN location.

In this role, you will:

• Create a culture of relentless focus on customers and their success.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives. 
• Provide visionary and transformational leadership to multiple factory locations and site manufacturing leaders for near and long-term success.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing organization.
• Identify and implement disruptive technologies and practices and embrace transformational thinking to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Drive operational excellence in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory management, Cost control, and People development, making these core metrics central to manufacturing operations, and lead transformational changes when necessary.
• Set clear performance goals and expectations for factory locations and site manufacturing leaders. Monitor and analyze key performance indicators to ensure goals are met or exceeded and drive transformational improvements regularly.
• Optimize resource allocation, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to meet production demands efficiently and cost-effectively, while seeking transformational ways to enhance resource utilization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments such as Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality, HS&E to ensure seamless operations, and quality improvements, and embrace transformational collaboration.
• Implement and drive Lean and Six Sigma principles to identify and eliminate waste, improve processes, and enhance productivity, with a focus on transformational changes.
• Attract, retain, and develop top talent within the manufacturing organization. Mentor and coach site manufacturing leaders to ensure their professional growth and success, fostering transformational leadership skills.
• Ensure that all manufacturing activities adhere to regulatory and safety standards, and champion a culture of safety within the organization. Lead transformational safety initiatives when needed.
• Leverage business intelligence and analytics to track performance and drive results.
• Exhibit a growth mindset and display your ability to manage change.

To succeed in this role, you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related field 
• Proven experience (10+ years) in senior leadership roles within manufacturing, with a track record of driving operational excellence and achieving results.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams and promote transformational leadership qualities.
• Innovative and transformational thinker with a passion for disruptive technologies and practices.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a focus on transformational solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Willing to travel >30%