Director of Manufacturing

The Director of Manufacturing at Challenge is responsible for the operational and financial management of multiple manufacturing plants. This includes directing Plant Managers to prepare and implement operating plans aligned with key metrics, driving Lean Manufacturing system implementation, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. Additionally, the role involves collaborating across functions to spearhead improvement initiatives and enhance overall financial performance.

To qualify for the Director of Manufacturing position at Challenge, candidates should have at least ten years of experience in manufacturing, with a minimum of five years specifically in the automotive sector, particularly in Tier 1 or Tier 2 environments. Multi-plant management experience is essential, along with a preferred Bachelor's degree and expertise in metal stamping or robotic welding. Strong leadership and communication skills are crucial to navigating complex challenges effectively.

Yes, the Director of Manufacturing role at Challenge requires some overnight travel, typically around 25%. This travel is essential to meet operational needs across our manufacturing plants and to ensure that you can effectively manage and support your teams in different locations.

A successful Director of Manufacturing at Challenge should possess strong leadership abilities, expert knowledge in Microsoft Office applications, and excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. They should also demonstrate a commitment to safety, ownership, and teamwork, be self-motivated, and adapt positively to change while fostering collaborative relationships within the organization.

Challenge offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Director of Manufacturing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, contributions to Health Savings Accounts, 401k matching, and an exciting Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Additional perks like tuition reimbursement, a challenge incentive program, and paid time off emphasize our commitment to the well-being and growth of our employee-owners.

When responding to this question, emphasize your experience in leveraging Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Explain specific examples where you've successfully reduced waste or improved efficiency. Use metrics to showcase the impact of your strategies and be sure to highlight your collaborative approach with teams to drive continuous improvement.

To answer this, discuss the proactive measures you take to stay updated on regulations from agencies like OSHA and EPA. Mention regular training programs you implement, the importance of a safety-first culture, and how you perform audits or assessments to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

In your response, focus on your organizational skills and your ability to establish clear communication channels among plants. Provide an example of how you've successfully balanced the needs of different facilities, possibly through regular meetings, performance metrics, and shared best practices to ensure alignment with corporate goals.

For this question, recount a specific conflict, focusing on your conflict resolution skills. Describe how you listened to different perspectives, facilitated discussions, and sought a collaborative resolution while maintaining a positive work environment. Highlight the outcome and the lessons learned from that situation.

Talk about how you prioritize employee engagement by involving team members in decision-making processes, seeking feedback, and recognizing achievements. Provide examples of initiatives you've implemented to enhance engagement, which can lead to improved productivity and morale.

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks, perhaps using a system based on urgency and importance. Emphasize how you adapt to changing demands while keeping long-term goals in mind and how your prioritization aligns with operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Detail your experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques by discussing certifications, training, or significant projects you've managed. Highlight specific methodologies or tools you've applied, how you facilitated change within your teams, and the tangible results achieved through these practices.

In your answer, outline the key performance indicators you focus on and the systems you use to track them. Highlight your analytical skills in interpreting data, and provide examples of how you've identified areas for improvement and successfully implemented strategies that led to measurable enhancements.

When addressing this question, express your leadership philosophy, perhaps emphasizing traits like being approachable, collaborative, or results-driven. Provide examples to illustrate how your style has evolved and led to successful outcomes in team performance and engagement.

Discuss your perspective on the challenges faced in the role, such as keeping pace with technology advancements, managing workforce dynamics, or ensuring compliance. Highlight your strategies for staying ahead of these challenges and your commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.