Title: Director of Manufacturing Location: Billings, MT Travel: 15% between facilities and for training/seminars Position Overview: The Director of Manufacturing will join the senior leadership team and oversee the day-to-day operations of two production facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring manufacturing runs safely, efficiently, and profitably, while continuously driving improvements in safety, quality, workflow, and culture. The successful candidate will be a servant leader with a strong operational background, skilled at aligning people, processes, and systems to deliver consistent performance and sustainable growth. Key Responsibilities: Direct and coordinate all phases of manufacturing to deliver safe, high-quality products on time and within budget.

Develop, manage, and report on annual operating and capital budgets; identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce cost of goods sold.

Establish and improve performance metrics to monitor efficiency, quality, safety, and financial targets.

Implement continuous improvement techniques to optimize production costs, workflow, and output.

Partner with operations, quality, and sales leaders to improve product quality indices and strengthen customer satisfaction.

Lead facility management, including cleanliness, organization, security, equipment maintenance, and safety systems.

Build, coach, and develop managers and frontline teams; foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and innovation.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry quality and safety standards.

Provide technical support for troubleshooting process equipment and package/product challenges.

Drive cross-functional collaboration for reliable new product launches and ongoing supply chain execution.

Monitor industry trends, regulatory updates, and technology advances to maintain innovation and compliance.

Champion cultural improvements and employee engagement programs that position the organization as a premier employer.

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations, or a related field required.

Minimum 2+ years of prior management experience in a manufacturing environment.

Strong background in lean manufacturing operations and project management preferred.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with manufacturing systems and ERP tools.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Mechanical aptitude with ability to diagnose and resolve production machinery and facility systems issues.

Strong business acumen; ability to align financial, operational, and quality objectives.

Excellent communication skills—clear, concise, and collaborative across all levels.

Demonstrated leadership presence with ability to inspire, motivate, and engage teams.

Skilled in delegation, planning, and organizing to maximize productivity.

Commitment to continuous improvement and a high-performance, safety-first culture.

Personal values of honesty, integrity, trust, and respect.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Lead and coach production and maintenance staff; establish clear goals and accountability.

Provide feedback and mentorship to develop technical and leadership skills within the team.

Ensure adequate staffing, training, and succession planning for all operational areas.

Training & Compliance Requirements: Ongoing training to maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.

Orientation and safety training for new hires.

Training in allergen awareness, diversity, harassment prevention, and supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: Combination of office and production floor environment; requires both desk work and physical presence on the line.

Ability to lift up to 75 lbs; exposure to confined spaces, heights, and noisy environments.

PPE required, including hearing protection, hairnets, and steel-toed footwear as applicable.

Manufacturing and warehouse areas involve heavy equipment and forklift traffic.

The Opportunity: This is a hands-on leadership role in a dynamic manufacturing environment, offering the ability to shape operational strategy, build high-performing teams, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency. The Director of Manufacturing will be a key contributor to the company’s growth and long-term success.