Regional Manufacturing Development Manager

Overview

Minova is an industry leader in ground support and geotechnical solutions for mining, tunneling, and surface ground engineering projects. Known for our high-quality products, technical expertise, and customer problem-solving, we have a 140-year track record of developing and delivering innovative ground support solutions. Our heritage of innovation and excellence in the industry is something we are extremely proud of.

Role Description and

Purpose:

A Regional Manufacturing Development Manager drives the execution, adaptation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and strategies across US. Reporting to the VP of USA and Mexico, this role bridges global standards with local realities to deliver operational excellence, innovation, and performance in our four plants.

This position does require 40-50% of travel within the region, and occasional global meetings.

The role serves as the primary strategist and implementer responsible for translating global objectives and the provision of actionable insights to inform and enhance manufacturing system.

• Deploy Global Standards Locally:
  Roll out corporate manufacturing processes, tools, KPI’s, and technologies (e.g., MES, automation platforms) across regional sites while ensuring compliance with local regulations, safety codes and labor laws.
• Adapt and Localize:
  Identify and justify necessary deviations from global standards, such as modifying equipment layouts for seismic zones, adjusting shift patterns to cultural norms, or localizing software interfaces and secure formal approvals via a structured exception process.
• Lead Regional Projects:
  Manage plant expansions, line upgrades, technology integrations, or greenfield launches. Own regional CAPEX budgets, vendor contracts, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Drive Performance and Continuous Improvement:
  Own regional KPIs (OEE, yield, cost/unit, downtime) using lean, Six Sigma, or digital tools. Conduct root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and report variances to global leadership.
• Pilot Innovation:
  Test emerging technologies or process tweaks in regional plants (e.g., AI vision systems, cobots, or sustainable materials) and package results for potential global scale-up.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
  Partner with regional R&D, supply chain, quality, and HR teams to integrate new products, secure materials, and upskill the workforce. Align with local plant managers on execution.
• Talent and Culture:
  Recruit, develop, and performance-manage a team of process engineers, project leads, and lean experts. Champion global training programs while addressing regional skill gaps.
• Sustainability and Compliance:
  Ensure regional operations meet environmental targets, ISO standards, and local laws (e.g., UE REACH, China’s MIIT regulations). Lead audits and corrective actions.

• Business Development
• Negotiations
• Motivating and communicating with others
• Coaching and developing others
• Monthly regional performance dashboards with actionable insights.
• Quarterly business cases for deviations or investments.
• Annual regional improvement roadmap aligned with global goals.
• Successful pilot-to-scale transitions for at least one innovation per year.

• Bachelor’s in engineering (manufacturing, engineering, or mechanical):
  Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, SHES, and Capital Project Management Large Scale experience/
• Management/Operating Cost and Expense Management.
• 7-12 years in manufacturing/operations, including 3-5 years leading multi-site or regional projects.
• Lean/Six Sigma (Green or Black belt) is a plus, project management (PMP a plus), data analytics, ERP/MES systems.