Head of Manufacturing & Development Operations

As the Head of Manufacturing & Development Operations at Freeform, your key responsibilities will include establishing and refining manufacturing processes for high-volume metal 3D printing, developing operational strategies that ensure production goals are met, collaborating with engineering teams to enhance efficiency, and engaging with leadership to align production with business objectives. You'll be integral in transforming the future of manufacturing.

To qualify for the Head of Manufacturing & Development Operations position at Freeform, you will need a bachelor's degree in an engineering field, along with over 7 years of professional experience in manufacturing or engineering development operations. Experience in establishing production operations from the ground up and hands-on engineering roles is highly valued.

Freeform's workplace culture is inclusive, diverse, and collaborative, valuing data-driven decision-making. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing company in the tech ecosystem of Los Angeles, alongside talented professionals, while receiving strong support for your personal and professional development.

No, experience in 3D printing is not a requirement to succeed in the Head of Manufacturing & Development Operations position at Freeform. The company is looking for smart, motivated individuals who excel in problem-solving and collaboration, regardless of their familiarity with 3D printing technologies.

Candidates applying for the Head of Manufacturing & Development Operations role at Freeform can expect a wide range of benefits, including significant stock options, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid parental leave, a flexible work environment, and daily catered meals. The company also encourages a healthy work-life balance with paid vacation and sick leave.

To optimize manufacturing processes, I would evaluate current workflows, gather data to identify bottlenecks, and engage cross-functional teams to gather insights. Implementing lightweight, efficient processes that are continuously refined based on performance indicators will be key.

Certainly! When I established a production operation from scratch, I focused on creating a clear roadmap, involving cross-disciplinary teams in the planning phase, and fostering a culture of innovation to encourage proactive problem-solving.

Ensuring collaboration involves regular communication, setting up joint meetings, and creating shared goals. I believe in fostering an open environment where team members feel comfortable sharing insights and challenges.

I would develop performance indicators such as cycle times, yield rates, and customer satisfaction scores. These metrics can provide valuable insights into production efficiency and areas needing improvement.

To handle conflicts, I prioritize open communication and active listening. It’s essential to understand different perspectives and work collaboratively to find a solution that aligns with our business goals.

I would employ a strategy of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing post-print processes, analyzing data for efficiency opportunities, and seeking feedback from the production team to implement necessary adjustments.

By leveraging my extensive experience in manufacturing operations, I aim to innovate manufacturing processes, improve scalability, and ensure that Freeform remains a frontrunner in the metal 3D printing industry.

I have hands-on experience with MRP/ERP software, particularly during its implementation in previous roles. I understand the importance of tailoring these systems to meet operational needs for enhanced efficiency and data accuracy.

I believe the biggest challenge is scalability while maintaining quality. It’s crucial to develop processes that can meet high demand without compromising the integrity of the output.

Balancing speed and quality involves streamlining processes without sacrificing standards. Implementing checks and real-time monitoring can help ensure that quality remains paramount while we meet production goals.