Director of Manufacturing

Why Join Us This is an opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing function, influence operational strategy, and help shape a culture focused on safety, continuous improvement, accountability, and performance. The Director of Manufacturing will play a key role in supporting business growth while developing people, strengthening processes, and improving results across the operation. At Schwarze, we strive to employ the most talented people in the industry. People who believe in getting the job done and those who take pride in what they do. We are dedicated to using a Total Performance Teamwork concept to produce, maintain, and market the finest, most durable, quality power sweeping equipment in the world. We offer one of the most comprehensive sweeper lines in the industry, including models for parking area cleaning, industrial sweeping, mall and shopping center sweeping, airport runway sweeping, street sweeping, milling cleanup and storm water runoff (PM-10) management To apply for this position and see our products go to www.schwarze.com Schwarze offers a competitve salary, benefits on day one, and relocation package. About the Opportunity Schwarze Industries, a member of the Alamo Group, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Manufacturing for the Huntsville, AL facility to provide strategic leadership for plant operations across fabrication, welding, paint, and assembly. This senior operations leader will be hands-on and be responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, cost performance, and continuous improvement while building a high-performing manufacturing team. What You Will Do Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, company policies, and operational controls. Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet business goals for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost. Develop and execute short-term and long-range manufacturing strategies, operating plans, and budgets aligned with plant growth objectives. Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve throughput, and lower direct labor costs. Build, coach, and mentor manufacturing leaders while promoting accountability, collaboration, respect, and high ethical standards. Review operational data, production reports, and key performance metrics to identify trends, resolve issues, and report results to senior leadership. Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and other departments to improve manufacturability, material availability, product cost, and customer satisfaction. Ensure employees are properly trained on processes, methods, safety expectations, and quality standards. Demonstrated ability to exhibit and model Alamo Group's Core Competencies : Leading Change/Change Management - Balance change and continually strive to improve business performance Leading People/Teamwork - Design and implement strategies that maximize employee's potential and foster high ethical standards Communication - Explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner and negotiate with individuals and groups Business Acumen - Understand and interprets business metrics and utilizes latest business strategies to focus on outcomes and create opportunities for success Results Driven/Process - Make timely and effective decisions and produce results through planning and implementation of processes, systems, and programs; stressing accountability and continuous improvement Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing and supervisory leadership experience. Strong knowledge of fabrication, welding, paint, mechanical assembly, warehouse, and related manufacturing processes. Experience improving productivity, cost performance, quality, and operational efficiency in a manufacturing environment. Experience in a manufacturing environment that deals with heavy customization. Practical knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement methods. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and team-building skills. Ability to work effectively with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization. Working knowledge of low-volume, high-mix assembly operations preferred.