Director, Manufacturing Operations

The Director of Manufacturing Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for a multi-site paper manufacturing organization, overseeing production activities across all locations (Concord Township, OH, Wickliffe, OH, Kansas City, MO, Reno, NV). Reporting to the COO, this role is responsible for driving consistent production performance, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and optimizing operational efficiency. The Director partners closely with plant leadership to align production schedules, implement best practices, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads and monitors paper manufacturing processes across all sites.
• Manages and ensures production targets and deadlines are met for each facility.
• Owns production data to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.
• Optimizes the use of raw materials and labor to reduce waste and increase productivity.
• Coordinates the logistics and transportation between the sites, ensuring timely delivery of materials and products.
• Manages inventory levels and ensures a continuous supply chain without disruption.
• Implements and enforces stringent quality control standards across all production facilities.
• Ensures compliance with environmental regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Works closely with the quality assurance team to identify and address any product defects or non-conformance issues.
• Leads and manages production teams at each site, ensuring proper staffing levels and skillsets.
• Conducts performance evaluations and training programs for employees.
• Fosters a culture of safety, efficiency, and teamwork across the sites.
• Develops and manages budgets for each site, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities and implements lean manufacturing techniques to reduce overhead.
• Monitors expenses and implements corrective actions when budget targets are not met.
• Ensures that equipment across all sites is well-maintained and optimized for performance.
• Stays updated on the latest advancements in paper manufacturing technology and recommend upgrades or changes to improve efficiency.
• Works with the maintenance teams to schedule downtime for repairs and prevent unplanned outages.
• Ensures that all sites comply with local and federal health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Implements best practices for workplace safety, including conducting regular safety drills and audits.
• Addresses and resolves any safety concerns or violations promptly.
• Regularly reports on operational performance to senior management, providing insights into production metrics, KPIs, and improvement opportunities.
• Uses data analytics to track performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to suggest and implement process optimizations.
• Utilizes Six Sigma, Lean, or other methodologies to drive operational improvements across multiple sites.
• Ensures customer orders are fulfilled on time, maintaining a strong relationship with key clients.
• Addresses customer complaints or issues related to product quality or delivery promptly.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Leadership: Ability to manage teams across multiple locations, provide clear direction, and motivate employees.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Project Management: Ability to manage large projects, budgets, and timelines effectively.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to resolve operational issues across sites.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of paper manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with teams, senior management, and external stakeholders.

Travel

This position may require occasional travel to supplier sites, production facilities, or corporate offices. Candidates should be prepared to travel up to 30-40% of the time, which may include overnight stays. Travel will be primarily for the purposes of plants visits, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Office Setting

• Choice of sitting or standing or alternating between them (stand-up desk optional)
• Keyboarding/typing on a computer for extended periods of time
• Moderate noise, i.e., phones, printer, light foot traffic

Ranpak is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business.  Ranpak does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.  Ranpak makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.  For more information, we invite you to read our Code of Ethics.

Ranpak participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program here.