With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in more than 60 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2022. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Director Manufacturing

Location - Remote, but preferred to be near one of our Kennametal locations in eastern US

An excellent opportunity has become available to join Kennametal as a Manufacturing Director. The Manufacturing Director will have overall responsibility and accountability for multiple manufacturing locations within America. This is a key management role that has strategic and tactical responsibility for implementing manufacturing strategy and strategic operational goals to exceed customer expectations for product quality, cost and delivery.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal and external key stakeholders striving for best in class products and business practices. The Manufacturing Director will provide clear leadership and vision that inspires and motivates staff to ensure that all projects are delivered on cost and on time to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities

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  Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental issues are prioritized and facilitated to ensure a safe work environment for employees.

• Extraordinary customer service experience driven by end-to-end supply chain strategy, manufacturing technology edge, and smart factory

• Driving change within the manufacturing and operations footprint by introducing new technologies and automation processes

• Direct and drive implementation of Lean/Operational Excellence strategy and continuous improvement across all manufacturing related areas of the business.

• Increase efficiency and reduce cost by automating digitalizing the production and logistics processes

• Ensure people and processes function according to Kennametal Compliance / Culture requirements.

• Ensure that manufacturing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets that enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market.

• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities.

• Manage the talent within the group to provide rewarding working environment, opportunities for growth and employee engagement

• Proactive talent development and team engagement planning to foster great place to work

• Align focus to internal coaching/mentoring to increase upward mobility and recruiting within the organization and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions. Help develop organizational capacity and build future leaders for the organization.

• Drive synergies between facilities, implement standard better practices, and share /adopt ideas around the globe.

• Drive Kennametal Operation System (KOS) & EHS deployment and focus on Key measurements – e.g. Environmental, Social and Governance, Quality, Delivery & Lead Time, Cost, Inventory & Account Payable

• Develop and manage Key Performance Indicators linked to organization goals and objectives.

• Work collaboratively with Product Management, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain and Manufacturing support functions, to align operational/process capabilities with short/long term customer needs.

• Provide the necessary leadership to promote change throughout the company and continue to develop and lead a world class manufacturing organization.

• Direct and support continuous improvement activities, involving cross-functional support when appropriate.

• Work closely with Director Global Quality for Metal cutting to continually improve the quality management system and achieve Quality objectives.

Typical Education and work experience

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  Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering/manufacturing discipline or equivalent experience.

• Experience in Operation best practices

• Multi-site experience - able to manage and standardize operations in a regional scope

• Track record of proven success in automation, modernization, and change management across multiple plants

• Demonstrable practical experience of leading a manufacturing function with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing leadership delivering effective manufacturing strategies, policies, processes and systems.

• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development.

• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines Commercially and financially astute with experience of managing budgets.

• Resilient, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure.

• An appreciation of and an ability to positively resolve issues arising from different cultures (Intercultural competencies)

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. As such, it is the policy of Kennametal Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or other protected status, group, or characteristic under federal, state, and/or local law or regulation. It is Kennametal Inc.'s policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.