Our client is building the future of automated beverage systems and smart coffee machines and is looking for a visionary Director of Manufacturing to lead their operations. This is an unparalleled opportunity to come in and build a world-class team from the ground up, shaping their manufacturing strategy and execution as they scale. If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and are passionate about operational excellence and product reliability, our client wants to hear from you.

About the Role

As the Director of Manufacturing, you will be instrumental in establishing, scaling, and optimizing our production, quality, and service operations. You will lead a high-performing team, drive strategic outsourcing initiatives, and ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability from NPI through field deployment. This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic vision with tactical execution, navigating ambiguity, and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing manufacturing operations team. Define clear objectives, hold teams accountable for results, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth.
• Outsourcing & Vendor Management: Identify strategic opportunities to outsource operations where beneficial, establishing robust processes to ensure vendors consistently meet performance standards, cost targets, and quality expectations.
• NPI Process Optimization: Design and implement operational workflows that scale effectively, driving standardization and repeatability. Bridge the gap between product engineering design and manufacturing, actively driving tool and fixture development to optimize production.
• Quality & Compliance: Drive rigorous quality assurance processes across all manufacturing and service operations (e.g., Six Sigma methodologies). Implement systematic root cause analysis and corrective actions to maintain high reliability and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Product Reliability & Fleet Health: Monitor and analyze product performance in the field, proactively addressing reliability issues. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product uptime and overall customer experience.
• Service Operations: Establish and manage comprehensive service and refurbishment programs to extend the product lifecycle. Partner closely with the existing team to strategize for efficient field upgrades, repairs, and replacements, optimizing both cost and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Experienced Leader: Proven track record as an executive in operations management, manufacturing, or supply chain leadership at a hardware-based, consumer electronics, or electromechanical company. Some experience at a startup is required.
• Problem Solver: Progressive experience in multiple successful hardware companies, demonstrating the ability to lead and solve complex problems from the ground up to a leadership level.
• Technical Acumen: A strong background in engineering, manufacturing, and/or supply chain.
• Team Builder: Strong leadership, hiring, and management experience, including setting excellence standards for the team, ensuring continuous improvement, and fostering a growth mentality.
• Global Operations Expert: Strong experience managing contract manufacturers, certification programs, service teams, and complex global supply chains and suppliers.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments with an open mentality and a resourceful approach.
• Strategic & Hands-On: Ability to balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution.
• Service Focused: Experience setting up field service, upgrades, and refurbishment processes.
• Skilled Communicator: Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and vendor management skills.