Director of Global Manufacturing Operations

Job Title:

Director of Global Manufacturing Operations

Department:
Operations

Location:

Pullman, Washington

Addium is a fast-growing company in agricultural and food testing measurement technology, focusing on innovative solutions for controlled environmental agriculture and processed food manufacturing. Our offerings, comprising science, sensors, software, and consulting, assist our customers in optimizing operations, increasing yields, and ensuring quality, safety, and compliance standards are consistently met.

The Director of Manufacturing Operations will report to the Exec. VP and will lead the contract manufacturing, in house final assembly/calibration, and logistics, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency across all processes. This role requires a strategic leader with a hands‑on approach to manage day‑to‑day production and support the continuous improvement of production capabilities and efficiencies.

• Hybrid Production Management: define and execute the global manufacturing strategy, overseeing external Contract Manufacturers (CMs) for component production while managing in‑house teams for high‑precision final assembly, firmware flashing, and calibration.
• CM Relationship & Negotiation:
  Own the relationship with global contract manufacturers. Negotiate Master Service Agreements, enforce SLAs, and conduct regular audits to ensure partners meet the strict tolerances required for scientific instrumentation.
• S&OP management:
  Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Collaborate with Sales and Finance to align demand forecasts with production schedules, optimizing inventory levels to support "High Mix, Low Volume" complexity without tying up excessive working capital.

• Final Assembly & Calibration Oversight:
  Manage the daily operations of the internal team responsible for the final configuration and calibration of sensors. Ensure every unit leaving the dock meets rigorous scientific accuracy standards.
• Global Logistics & Compliance:
  Direct global warehousing, freight, and distribution networks. Navigate complex international trade compliance (import/export) for technical products and optimize shipping routes to ensure timely delivery to customers.
• NPI (New Product Introduction):
  Partner with DFM to transition new sensing technologies from prototype to mass production. Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback loops to reduce complexity and cost before products hit the assembly line.

• Quality Management System (QMS):
  Uphold and evolve the required quality standards. Implement rigorous testing for incoming materials and finished goods to minimize field failures and warranty claims.
• Process Optimization:
  Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce cycle times, improve quality, and eliminate waste in the supply chain.
• Cost Control:
  Own the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) metrics. Continuously identify opportunities to reduce material and operational costs while maintaining product integrity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) are a plus.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a complex, precision product high‑tech, electronics manufacturing leadership role that includes the entire operations envelope from product definition, to production including the logistics process on the front end and the back end of the manufacturing process. You must have strong financial skills and work closely with a financial team member, in our case the Corporate Controller.
• Proven experience in improving and scaling production operations in a low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing organization.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to make data‑driven decisions.
• Commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)…