Director of Production Operations (Packaging Industry)

Job Title: Director of Production Operations (Packaging Industry)

Locations: Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Term: Perm / FTE

Salary: Open and Negotiable (depends on experience)

Company Overview:

We are a global enterprise integrating recycled fiber recovery, industrial and specialty paper manufacturing, customized packaging solutions, and industrial internet services. We are committed to building an industrial ecosystem and innovating business models to become a global green integrated packaging solutions provider that creates long-term value for customers.

Job Summary:

This position is fully responsible for managing all production and operational activities of our manufacturing facility in Mexico. The core objective is to ensure that the production department meets its targets in terms of Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Efficiency (SQCDE).

Responsibilities:

1. Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement production and operations strategies aligned with the company's overall strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage the entire production team - including production managers, supervisors, team leaders, and frontline employees - and inspire them to achieve outstanding performance.
• Establish and promote a culture of continuous improvement (Kaizen) and Lean Manufacturing, eliminating waste and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop, control, and optimize the production budget to ensure efficient operations within budget constraints.

2. Daily Operations Management

• Oversee the entire production planning, material requirements planning (MRP), and execution processes to ensure on-time delivery of customer orders.
• Optimize production processes, improve OEE, and reduce equipment downtime.
• Strictly enforce quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) to ensure that all products meet customer specifications and industry standards.
• Lead workplace safety management and ensure the plant complies with all local regulations (e.g., Mexican Federal Labor Law, STPS standards) and EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) requirements, striving for a "zero-accident" goal.

3. Cost & Performance Control

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production efficiency, first pass yield (FPY), unit cost, and inventory turnover, and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Identify and implement cost-saving projects to reduce raw material, labor, and energy consumption.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and internal supply chain departments to ensure stable raw material supply.

4. Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Responsible for recruiting, training, performance evaluation, and career development of the production team.
• Work closely with technical/engineering, quality, supply chain, sales, and HR departments to solve operational issues, support new product introduction (NPI), and drive process optimization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or above preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of production management experience in the packaging or printing industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Plant Manager or Director of Production Operations.
• Experience in managing manufacturing operations in Mexico and deep understanding of local labor laws, culture, and work environment is highly preferred.
• Language Skills: Proficient in Spanish and English as working languages.

Professional Knowledge and Skills:

• Lean Manufacturing Expertise: Deep understanding and proven experience in tools such as 5S, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and standardized work.
• Data Proficiency: Strong budgeting and cost-control skills.
• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional leadership, motivation, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to respond quickly to complex operational challenges.
• Stress Tolerance: Ability to remain calm and work efficiently under pressure, challenges, and setbacks.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching 4%
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off: 1 week first year; 2 weeks 2nd year
• Referral program
• Vision insurance