Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations

The Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations at Modern Meadow is responsible for overseeing the entire process of scaling up new textile and biomaterial production methods from pilot to commercial scale. This includes managing vendor relationships, ensuring quality and consistency, optimizing production processes, and collaborating with various departments, such as R&D and Product Development, to translate lab innovations into robust manufacturing protocols.

To qualify for the Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations role at Modern Meadow, candidates should have at least 12 years of relevant experience in process engineering and manufacturing operations with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership position. A strong technical foundation in materials science, textile engineering, or related fields, alongside hands-on experience in contract manufacturing environments, is also essential.

The Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations at Modern Meadow ensures sustainability by applying innovative manufacturing practices and principles of lean manufacturing. Responsibilities include driving process optimization, implementing cost-down initiatives, and collaborating closely with product teams to align manufacturing strategies with sustainability goals, all while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Success in the role of Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations at Modern Meadow requires a diverse skill set that includes strong technical expertise in process engineering, effective cross-functional leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills for vendor management. Candidates should also possess effective problem-solving capabilities, experience with process validation methods, and a continuous improvement mindset to navigate challenges successfully.

A typical day for the Senior Director of Manufacturing Scale-Up & Engineering Operations at Modern Meadow might involve strategic meetings with internal teams to discuss product launches, reviewing manufacturing metrics to oversee process improvements, coordinating with contract manufacturers to resolve production challenges, and analyzing market trends to align manufacturing capabilities with future demands. It's a role that balances strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight.

In addressing the scaling up of manufacturing processes, I would begin with a comprehensive review of existing pilot results, emphasizing quality metrics and production efficiency. I focus on building strong partnerships with contract manufacturers to ensure a seamless transition, leveraging their capabilities while also tailoring processes to meet Modern Meadow's specific needs.

Certainly! In my previous role, we had an unexpected defect in our product during the scaling phase. I led an immediate root cause analysis and brought cross-functional teams together to design and implement corrective actions swiftly. This open communication enabled us to not only resolve the issue but enhance our processes moving forward.

To ensure compliance with regulatory standards, I develop comprehensive compliance checklists in partnership with legal and safety teams. I regularly audit our contract manufacturing partners, provide training, and maintain open lines of communication to foster a culture of accountability and understanding of the regulations we must adhere to.

I believe in establishing a culture of transparency and shared goals. Regular cross-functional meetings with clear agendas help facilitate collaboration and innovation. By encouraging team members to share insights and challenges, we not only strengthen relationships but also cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and engaged in the process.

My experience with vendor management is centered around building long-term partnerships through effective communication and negotiation. I prioritize maintaining a strong rapport with suppliers, ensuring they understand our quality expectations and operational needs, which leads to smoother collaboration and better overall outcomes.

Absolutely! In a previous role, I spearheaded a process optimization initiative that involved mapping out our production line workflow. By streamlining operations and reducing bottlenecks through lean methodologies, we increased output by 30% without compromising quality, leading to significant cost savings.

Aligning manufacturing plans with product launches requires meticulous planning and flexibility. I establish a clear timeline shared with all departments involved, ensuring we have all necessary resources and contingencies in place to address any unexpected changes that might affect the product launch.

My leadership style is participative; I actively involve team members in decision-making and value their input. This fosters a collaborative spirit and empowers individuals, leading to enhanced team morale and productivity. I believe a happy team produces better results.

I stay updated by actively participating in industry conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, and being part of professional networking groups. Continuous learning helps me leverage new trends and technologies in our manufacturing processes, keeping Modern Meadow at the forefront of innovation.

I prioritize comprehensive training that includes hands-on experiences and mentorship opportunities. I also promote continuous learning by encouraging team members to pursue professional development courses that align with their interests and career goals, which not only benefits them but also strengthens our team.