Director of Manufacturing

French® is an ISO-certified, 4th generation family-owned U. S. company that custom designs, manufactures and supports hydraulic press systems for molding rubber and composite materials, screw presses for synthetic rubber processing and for the separation of liquids from solids, and oilseed equipment used to extract vegetable oil from seeds and nuts, and to produce biofuels.

For over 120 years we have partnered with our stakeholders, in over 80 countries worldwide, to provide products with superior value and superior service that improve our customers’ productivity and reduce their overall production costs.

French Oil Mill Machinery Company is seeking an experienced Director of Manufacturing to lead our machining, assembly, production support, scheduling, and quality operations. This executive leadership role is responsible for delivering operational excellence while developing the people, systems, and processes that will support the company's continued growth. As a member of the executive leadership team, you'll work closely with Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Project Management to ensure customer commitments are met safely, efficiently, and profitably.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing operations while helping position the company for continued growth.

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations, including machining, assembly, scheduling, purchasing, and production support.
• Ensure safety, quality, on-time delivery, and operational performance meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve workflow.
• Build strong partnerships across Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, Service, and Project Management to successfully execute engineer-to-order projects.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets while improving cost control, inventory management, and supplier performance.
• Evaluate manufacturing technologies, automation opportunities, and capital investments that improve efficiency and support future growth.
• Develop future leaders and cross-train team members to strengthen organizational capability and succession readiness.
• Champion a culture of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Monitor equipment utilization, preventive maintenance, and facility improvements to maximize operational performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• At least 5 years leading supervisors, managers, or production leaders
• Experience in engineer-to-order, custom machinery, capital equipment, industrial equipment, or job shop manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and improving manufacturing performance

• MBA
• Lean Manufacturing Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Experience leading organizational transformation or significant operational change

The ideal candidate:

• Leads with accountability, collaboration, and integrity.
• Builds and develops high-performing teams.
• Balances strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.
• Uses data to drive continuous improvement and sound business decisions.
• Partners effectively across Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Operations.
• Thrives in an engineer-to-order manufacturing environment.

French Oil Mill Machinery Co. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.