Director of Manufacturing

ASTEC is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company that designs and builds innovative products for asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to serve customers worldwide with cutting‑edge solutions and technologies.

Director of Manufacturing

The Director of Manufacturing will lead manufacturing activities, execute strategic initiatives, and coordinate resources to fabricate, paint, and assemble heaters, tanks, piping, and accessories. This leadership role ensures a safe, high‑quality, and productive work environment while driving continuous improvement.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

• Manage the manufacturing facility to meet safety, quality, delivery, and financial goals.
• Promote a healthy and compliant work environment in collaboration with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) staff.
• Build a culture of employee engagement, productivity, and accountability.
• Assist the general manager with long‑term operational goals, expansion, and technology implementation.
• Organize departmental structure for optimal efficiency.
• Develop operating budgets and meet targets for cost, hours, and absorption with the controller.
• Participate in S&OP to support manpower and improvement decisions.
• Create and deliver production reports to executives.
• Drive data‑based continuous improvement with Operational Excellence staff.
• Supervise capital planning, equipment sourcing, purchasing, and facility layout.
• Identify training opportunities and support succession planning.
• Lead cost‑standardization efforts and understanding of shop labor routings.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to meet strategic objectives.
• Stay current with welding, fabrication, cutting, painting, assembly, and electrical trends.
• Assume additional activities as directed.
• Support ASTEC’s core values, mission, and vision.
• Follow AFRICIATE Action and Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines.
• Adhere to safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment when required.

Responsibilities – Management and Leadership

• Directly supervise 2–4 manufacturing supervisors, overseeing 5–40 staff each.
• Recruit, train, and appraise employees, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Coordinate work assignments, performance rewards, and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications – Experience and Competencies

• BS/BA in Engineering (ME, IE, etc.) preferred; BS/BA in Business, Finance, or related field acceptable with experience.
• 10+ years of manufacturing or manufacturing engineering experience; continuous‑improvement background preferred.
• Experience in shop/production management, lean manufacturing, or operational excellence.
• Expertise in heavy steel fabrication and welding methods (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW). ASME code quality experience preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (Oracle or equivalent) for routings, standards, costing, scheduling.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
• Computer proficiency and willingness to learn advanced tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Leadership presence and ability to influence and drive results.
• Customer‑relations skills and independent judgment.
• Knowledge of welding symbols and diagrams for supervisory roles.
• Capacity to tackle practical, complex problems with limited resources.
• Ability to interpret written and oral instructions comprehensively.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

Directly supervises 2–4 manufacturing supervisors who each manage 5–40 employees and 1–10 non‑supervisory office staff. Responsibilities include hiring, training, performance appraisals, and compliance with employment laws. Responsible for unit direction, coordination, and evaluation.

Our Culture and Values

• Continuous devotion to meeting customer needs.
• Honesty and integrity in all business aspects.
• Respect for all individuals.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
• Safety, quality, and productivity for success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ASTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.

Seniority Level

• Director

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Machinery Manufacturing

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Paid Paternity Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Disability Insurance

Location

Chattanooga, TN

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