Responsibilities / Tasks GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide. Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Senior Director, Manufacturing Plant to lead operations across welding, fabrication, machining, and assembly departments. This executive role is critical to ensuring our plant continues its evolution towards a factory of the future, continues to develop a high-performance culture and is run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with GEA’s global standards and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across core manufacturing departments, aligning operations with company goals and driving performance through KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee workforce management including recruitment, training, development, and performance evaluation, while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork. Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality specifications, while managing departmental budgets and cost-control strategies. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, production, procurement, and supply chain teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and ensure timely sourcing and equipment maintenance. Represent the plant in communications with external auditors, certification bodies, and clients, and stay current with technological advancements to maintain competitive advantage. Promote environmental compliance and sustainability, and lead efforts to improve plant efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Your Profile / Qualifications Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or other field. Minimum of 10–12 years of experience in production, operations, or manufacturing processes within an industrial manufacturing facility. At least 10 years of experience in leading high performance team, developing culture and overall site leadership.

Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and change management capabilities. Proven track record in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing. Deep understanding of business management, including P&L responsibility. Experience building and managing a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $130,000 - $160,000 per year.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.