Director, Manufacturing Operations

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.”  As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way.  We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.  

The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities. 

Interested in joining us on our journey? 

As the Director of Manufacturing Support Operations, you’ll play a critical leadership role on the Plant Staff team, driving the performance and growth of key support areas—including copper tubing, mics fabrication, plastics, and related manufacturing. You’ll lead, coach, and develop a diverse team while ensuring the plant consistently meets its production goals across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape strategy, strengthen operations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Position

Director, Manufacturing Operations

Location

USA, Decatur, AL

How You'll Create Possibilities

Operational Management – 35%

• Lead and support a team of Sr. Managers, Engineers, Team Leaders, and hourly production employees.

• Translate plant strategy into actionable goals for each functional area.

• Develop and execute both short- and long-term strategies to meet production needs and future growth.

• Ensure staffing coverage, manage daily operations, and maintain strong technical knowledge of all processes.

• Champion Lean manufacturing practices and the Escalation Process within the Appliance Production System.

• Drive daily production meetings, standardize work practices, and coach leaders to ensure stability, consistency, and 5S adherence.
   

Leadership – 35%

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across all levels of support operations.

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

• Partner with HR to recruit and retain top talent, while overseeing training and career development programs.

• Promote cross-training and skill-building in areas such as Appliance Manufacturing, Process Improvement, and Thermoforming.

• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to grow future leaders.
   

Safety – 20%

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies.

• Promote proper use of PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, etc.).

• Lead with a safety-first mindset, ensuring safe practices are integrated into all operations.
   

Quality – 10%

• Oversee quality protocols to ensure all manufactured products meet specifications.

• Address quality issues quickly and implement corrective actions to maintain standards.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical, or Management field.

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing or technical leadership experience.

• Proven background in manufacturing operations, with proven success leading multiple shifts.

• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing skilled teams.

• Proficiency in Lean manufacturing principles.

• Exceptional communication skills, able to connect with employees at all levels—from the production floor to executive leadership.

• A results-driven mindset with a track record of delivering on company objectives.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in thermoforming, plastics manufacturing, or extrusion systems.

• Experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

• Strong employee relations experience, with the ability to maintain a positive and collaborative environment.
   

Work Environment

• Primarily hands-on in a manufacturing environment, with some office-based responsibilities.

• Some evening and weekend work required.
   

This role is ideal for a strategic, hands-on manufacturing leader ready to make a lasting impact by building strong teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring wor