Director of Manufacturing Operations
Batesville, IN | Full-Time, On-Site
About Wood-Mizer
Wood-Mizer is the world's largest manufacturer of portable sawmills, with more than 100,000 mills sold in over 100 countries. We build a complete line of sawmilling, wood processing, and blade equipment for forestry and timber professionals. We're 100% employee-owned, so every team member has a stake in our success, and we put our people and customers at the center of everything we do.
Position Summary
The Director of Manufacturing Operations leads Wood-Mizer's Batesville, Indiana, manufacturing facility and is accountable for production output, cost, quality, safety, facility maintenance, manufacturing engineering, product release to production, and shipping performance for the plant. The role drives operational efficiency, cost reduction, and automation across the site while sustaining Wood-Mizer's culture of employee engagement and ownership. Working closely with the President, Wood-Mizer Americas, the Director shapes manufacturing strategy, the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), and capital and facility investment for the site. This role leads multiple direct reports, with a total span of control of approximately 225 employees. It is an on-site position at our Batesville facility, and some domestic and international travel may be required.
Essential Functions
- Owns the facility's cost and efficiency performance, setting and driving a continuous pipeline of cost-savings and productivity initiatives across labor, materials, and overhead.
- Identifies, justifies, and leads automation projects (equipment, robotics, material handling, controls/software) to reduce manual labor, cycle time, and unit cost.
- Directs daily manufacturing operations, including manufacturing engineering and the release of new and enhanced products to production in coordination with product development, so production schedules, quality standards, and unit cost targets are consistently met.
- Leads, coaches, and manages the performance of the plant leadership and shop-floor teams, keeping a visible, engaged presence on the plant floor that builds morale and a positive, high-performance culture.
- Owns plant safety performance and culture, sustaining low recordable incident rates (TRIR) and ensuring compliance with all applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Formalizes and leads a Lean/continuous improvement program that delivers measurable productivity, quality, and cost gains.
- Oversees facility maintenance, including preventive maintenance programs, equipment reliability, and building and grounds upkeep, to reduce downtime and maintenance cost.
- Oversees logistics and shipping, including outbound scheduling, carrier performance, and inventory accuracy, and works with the SIOP leader to set and maintain inventory goals and operations plans.
- Leads capital equipment planning and facility infrastructure projects, including automation investments and major expansions, and partners with the President to deliver manufacturing's portion of the AOP, including budget ownership and cost-savings targets.
- Coordinates with the HR leader on workforce planning, staffing, training, and succession, including labor needs as automation is introduced; represents manufacturing in cross-functional planning with Sales, Engineering, and executive leadership; and hosts customers, dealers, and visitors on plant tours.
- Follows all Wood-Mizer safety, quality, and company policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
- Demonstrated track record of driving cost reduction and productivity improvement in a manufacturing environment, with results measured in real savings and efficiency gains
- Hands-on experience identifying, justifying ROI for, and implementing manufacturing automation and process technology (e.g., robotics, vision systems, lights-out manufacturing, IoT, collaborative robots, automated workflows)
- Demonstrated success designing, implementing, leading, and sustaining Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement programs
- Strong, visible safety leadership track record
- Experience managing capital projects
- Leading, developing, and retaining cross-functional manufacturing teams
- Analytical, budgeting, and organizational skills
- Verbal and written communication, including presenting to executive leadership
- Lean / continuous improvement methods
- Adopting and applying AI and emerging technology in manufacturing
- Collaborating across a hybrid corporate structure; flexible and open-minded
- Approachable, engaging leadership style; represents the plant to visitors, customers, and new employees
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed up to 5%
Preferred
- Experience in industrial equipment, heavy machinery, or metal fabrication environments
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
The physical demands below describe the job as it is performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Frequently stand and walk throughout the plant floor
- Frequently use a computer and screen
- Occasionally sit, climb stairs or ladders, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach overhead
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs
Work environment: Office environment; manufacturing/shop floor; noise above 85 dB, moving machinery, dust, or fumes on the plant floor
Required PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety-toe boots on the plant floor
What We Offer
- Employee Ownership – Become a true owner through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and share directly in Wood-Mizer's growth and success.
- Retirement Savings – Save for retirement in our 401(k), with a company match contributed to your ESOP account.
- Performance Incentives – Earn extra rewards tied to your contributions and results.
- Flexible Pay Options – Choose from multiple pay methods, including Wages On-Demand, which lets you access earned wages daily.
- PTO Accrual Starts Day One – Start earning paid time off with your first paycheck, plus paid holidays and additional leave for life events such as marriage, birth, or adoption.
- Free Health Clinic Access – When enrolled in our medical plan, get free care through Marathon Health, with near-site clinics in Indianapolis, IN and Cincinnati, OH and many services available virtually wherever you live.
- Comprehensive Insurance – Health, dental, vision, and company-paid life insurance, plus supplemental coverage and short- and long-term disability options.
- Community Impact – Take part in our Workplace Giving Programs and be recognized for serving others through donations and volunteer work.
- Education Assistance – Use tuition reimbursement to reach your long-term career and learning goals.
- Annual Allowances – Reimbursement for safety boots and glasses, plus yearly funds for Wood-Mizer apparel and gear.
- Everyday Perks – Company events and outings, free coffee and fruit, birthday and anniversary gift cards, referral bonuses, discounted shipping, and more.
Benefits eligibility varies by position and employment status.
If you want a career, not just a job, apply today and see how Wood-Mizer employee-owners are making a difference around the world and right here in Batesville, IN.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Wood-Mizer is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This applies to all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, training, transfers, leaves of absence, and terminations.
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please let our recruiting team know, and we will be glad to help.
Interview Process & Communications
As part of our hiring process, Wood-Mizer may use AI tools to assist with screening applications, along with on-demand phone, video, and AI-enabled interviewing tools. These tools support our team; people make all hiring decisions. Candidates may opt in to receive text messages about their application. Message frequency varies, and standard message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Your mobile number will be used only for application-related communications and will not be shared or sold to third parties.
Pre-Employment Screening
Offers of employment may be contingent on a background check and drug test, as permitted by applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law.
Application Status
Due to the volume of applications we receive, please check your ADP candidate profile for the latest status on your application.
Protect Yourself from Hiring Scams
Wood-Mizer will never ask for payment, banking information, or equipment purchases during the application process. Official communication will only come from a Wood-Mizer company email address.
