Sr Director, Manufacturing, Fluid Power

Job Overview

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application‑specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Gates Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. Director of Manufacturing, Fluid Power, North America, with responsibility for 6 Manufacturing Sites and 7 Assembly Sites. This role will provide leadership and guidance for optimal and efficient operation of new and existing products and processes within Gates' North America Fluid Power facilities.

• Manage Fluid Power plant operations to deliver daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual operating plan, including 6 manufacturing sites, 7 assembly sites and integrated supply chain in US and Mexico locations.
• Responsible for delivering on Safety, Cost, Delivery, Quality, and Inventory targets for the US, Canada, and Mexico Fluid Power facilities.
• Drive sustainable, predictable weekly, monthly, quarterly output/revenue.
• Develop trust and alignment with commercial team, to profitably grow business.
• Successfully communicate execution and results to senior executives as well as those within the business unit.
• Evaluate and determine key investments in equipment, infrastructure, and talent.
• Provide a safe workplace environment by enforcing all safety regulations, policies, rules, and procedures.
• Utilizing the principles of the Gates Production System (GPS), produce product that meets or exceeds Gates and customer's expectations for a quality product at an expected cost.
• Develop a superior workforce that emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention.
• Monitors the performance of all operations within the department to identify opportunities for improvement and increased efficiency.
• Develops plans and oversees all aspects of production including equipment purchases, staffing needs, work schedules, and material requirements.
• Plans, organizes, executes, and monitors plant output objectives to meet customer shipment, cost, quality, and revenue goals; resolves issues to maintain smooth flow of work; drives product quality improvement initiatives; coordinates with materials, and process engineering, to achieve initiatives.

• BA/BS in industrial, mechanical engineering, or business administration (MBA preferred)
• Minimum of 15+ years multi-plant managerial experience leading manufacturing and operations teams in industrial, automotive supplier or industrial technology
• Experience in both Union and non-Union environment
• Expertise in plant automation/robotics and/or experience in automating plant operations
• Experience managing an industrial manufacturing environment as a hands‑on senior operational leader
• Experience in a high growth atmosphere with rapid hiring and training
• Experience working with manufacturing‑based technology, processes, and principles
• Prior experience with plant layout, managing multiple facilities and opening new plants

• Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing systems processes, products, and customers.
• Strong commitment to safety and a track record of continuously improving safety in operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and function within matrixed teams' environment including Finance, Commercial, Engineering, HR, and Marketing.
• Performs work without appreciable direction while providing leadership on future manufacturing direction and continually improving organizational policies in the manufacturing area of the organization.
• Excellent oral, presentation, written and listening skills.
• Commitment to building a culture accountable to serving customers and employees with an urgency to meet or exceed expectations.
• Track record of, and commitment to, doing…