Director of Manufacturing

Job description

Location: Michigan City, Indiana, United States Job ID: R0134271 Date Posted: 2026-06-15 Company Name: HITACHI GLOBAL AIR POWER US, LLC Profession (Job Category): Production & Skilled Trades Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No Job Description: The Company We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer driving the innovations that keep the world moving. From our headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe; from food and beverage to life-saving pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge semiconductor chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production. We are a team of innovators, engineers, and quality experts with a shared vision to create the next generation of efficient, environment-forward compressed air solutions that meet the demands of today, while boldly contributing to a sustainable, circular economy. With more than 58 years of legacy and trusted performance through our brands - Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), we are proud of our reputation for reliability, durability, and performance and groundbreaking engineering. Join us in building a future where your work has an impact. At Hitachi Global Air Power, you’ll be part of a global network that’s shaping the future of industrial power. Summary of the position: Reporting to the HGAP Vice President of Operations, the successful candidate collaborates with the VP and the executive leadership team to execute manufacturing plans that drive corporate strategy and profitability. This role requires a visionary leader who can align manufacturing strategies with business objectives, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure the highest levels of safety, cost, quality, efficiency, utilization and on-time finish. The incumbent maintains full ownership of all fabrication, machining, and assembly operations. This mandate includes directing facility management, preventative maintenance, continuous improvement initiatives. This role directly impacts revenue growth by optimizing production costs and improving efficiency, productivity, and employee engagement. The leader secures commercial success by consistently meeting or exceeding production schedules on time, under budget with premium quality standards and HGAP safety guidelines. This position is located on-site in Michigan City, Indiana. Duties and responsibilities: Key Accountabilities: • Manufacturing Performance Metrics (Safety, Cost, Quality, Productivity, Efficiency, Plant Utilization, Overtime Reduction, Production Finishes to Schedule and Preventative maintenance) • Ensuring a culture of Safety, Employee engagement and Continuous improvement in manufacturing. • Optimize cost of production and manufacturing footprint requirements. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Collaborate with the cross functional teams within HGAP to maximize business growth opportunities. Manages the overall manufacturing operations of the plants; ensures goals are met for Safety, Cost, Quality and On-time finish while concurrently ensuring company profit margin and cost of production meet the targets. Leads active efforts that enable standardization (when feasible), cost and manufacturing waste reduction and 6S. Responsible for the manufacture and on-time finishes of products Implements changes to production methods or materials flow that align with efforts to optimize productivity, achieve cost savings and enable product production goals. Leads product lead-time objectives established by the VP of Operations Partners with Engineering to support the manufacture and on-time product launch of New products at the target product cost. Oversees the workflow that satisfies production requirements in a cost efficient manner. Manages maintenance of plant and production areas, including preventative maintenance programs and initiatives. Prepares manufacturing reports including analysis and quantitative explanation of issues, performance, and improvements. Drives operation cost reduction initiatives (direct & indirect). Measures results and report out progress. Champion of lean manufacturing and Continuous improvements. Provide monthly measurable results from such initiatives. Optimize cost of production provides monthly updates and reporting regarding process improvements impacts on company cash flow. Collaborate with cross functional teams and provides actionable information to improve product Safety, Cost, Quality and plants throughput Works with various operation departments and cross functional teams to meet and exceed manufacturing KPI’s standards. Works with executive staff to ensure company strategic initiatives are instituted and ensure tangible benefits are achieved through monthly measuring Establishes and maintains annual manufacturing operating plans, budgets, capital appropriation, and manpower to assure the most productive utilization of human, financial and capital resources. Ensures HGAP plants meet and/or exceed local, state, federal and international plant safety standards. Ensures personnel and equipment training standards are met and develops relevant tactical and strategic training plans (with human resources) for applicable personnel. Champion of lessons learned. Drives continuous improvement and quantitative decision-making methods throughout the manufacturing teams. Oversees efforts to maximize production line efficiencies and effective employee utilization within the plants. Champion of safe work practices that ensure workers’ health and safety. Participate in sales and operations discussions/status meetings with key customer accounts and distributors, as warranted. Establishes and optimizes an organizational structure that maximizes the manufacturing team’s effectiveness. Leads and sets the pace for talent selection, onboarding, performance management, development and engagement to propel HGAP talent experience; plays an active role in developing future leaders for HGAP. Qualifications: Education : Degree: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration. Certifications: Highly desirable credentials include Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 5 to 8 years of senior level manufacturing and/or operations leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager or Operations Director). Minimum of 15 years industry experience (heavy equipment, machinery, durable goods). Proven track record of managing large budgets, scaling production output, and leading major process or continuous improvement initiatives, profitably growing and transforming a business. Strong experience in establishing and improving manufacturing disciplines and overall operational efficiencies in an industrial environment. Exceptional interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills to coordinate between the factory floor and executive stakeholders Must have demonstrated effective influence with key leaders within a matrixed organization. Ability to manage resources, prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects. Strong ability to mentor leadership teams, manage organizational change, and drive succession planning. Ability to analyze situations in a structured and logical manner and take calculated approaches to managing risk. Strategic Thinking: Capacity to align plant operations with overarching corporate goals and financial targets and attention to detail. Strong evaluation and analytical capabilities required. Data driven. Excellent business acumen. Strong work ethic and integrity; high energy and interpersonal skills. Collaborative, accomplished team member. Operate with sense of urgency, responsibility, ownership and accountability Computer literate. Deep familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) Strong understanding of regulatory standards and quality management systems (such as ISO, OSHA, and IATF) Strong project management skills, PMP certification is a plus. Six Sigma Black/Green Belt certification a plus Precision machining or automotive industry experience is a plus Direct reports: Facility and maintenance Senior manager Value stream managers of Fabrication, AirEnd and F/G assembly The successful candidate is responsible for complying with Hitachi Global Air Power Code of Ethics and related policies. In performing the job, the incumbent shall take all steps necessary to comply with our safety policies and requirements and must actively support the organization's efforts to meet and exceed its goals of creating and maintaining a safe workplace. This job description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company's discretion. Hitachi Global Air Power is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other protected categories under applicable law, whether in recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, compensation, or other conditions of employment.