Director of Manufacturing

Location: Mission Critical Solutions – Alum Bank, PA

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Position Summary:

The Director of Manufacturing will oversee and lead the Manufacturing Division at MCS, ensuring effective and efficient use of facilities, equipment, and staff to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives. This hands-on, high-impact role includes full accountability for plant production, personnel leadership, operational excellence, and strategic growth in alignment with company goals.

This is not a desk-bound leadership role. You will be expected to be regularly out on the production floor—observing, listening, and engaging with team members. You’ll build relationships, learn individual strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and help develop your people. Your leadership presence will be felt in every area of the division.  While efficiency and productivity are essential, maintaining and elevating product quality is a top priority woven into every aspect of the role.

This position is ideal for someone who:

·        Thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

·        Leads with integrity, humility, and vision

·        Inspires others to bring their best every day

·        Embraces a family business culture with national impact

·        Wants to build something bigger than themselves

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & People Development

• Lead and mentor managers and subject matter experts in engineering, machining, fabrication, and production.

• Collaborate with the VP of Operations & HR on recruitment, hiring, training, development, and retention of talent.

• Ensure timely, constructive, and developmental performance evaluations across all areas of responsibility.

• Partner on discipline and terminations in accordance with MCS policies.

• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.

Operations & Production Management

• Oversee execution of daily, weekly, and monthly production goals while maintaining quality and delivery standards.

• Coordinate with the Production Manager and Superintendent to schedule and assign work across machining, fabrication, and welding teams.

• Ensure customer specifications are met while minimizing costs and maintaining best working practices.

• Monitor plant performance and productivity and report to the executive team.

• Deliver regular production reports and insights to the executive team.

Safety, Compliance, & Quality

• Ensure a healthy and safe work environment, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and MCS safety and environmental policies.

• Collaborate with staff to implement and monitor safety practices.

• Support and ensure compliance with the MCS Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other applicable procedures.

Strategic Planning & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with the VP of Operations on long-range goals, innovation initiatives, and expansion efforts.

• Participate in decisions related to capital investment, equipment purchases, and shop floor layout.

• Assist in designing organizational structure and operational teams for efficiency.

• Identify and share training opportunities to grow team capabilities.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing practices.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational and managerial skills

• Ability to motivate teams and align them toward long-term goals

• Deep understanding of manufacturing policies and best practices

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and tactically

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in operations, logistics, production, military, or a relevant industrial field

• Background in manufacturing, construction, engineering, or heavy industry

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, quality systems, and safety compliance