Factory Operations Manager

Mill is all about answering a simple question: how can we prevent waste? Less waste can save time, money, energy, maybe even our planet. And there’s no better place to start than food. Food waste is one of the most solvable climate problems facing us today. Plus, our trash really stinks. It’s gross, heavy, and our least favorite chore. At Mill we are striving to build a better environment for all, as we take on climate and kitchen change.

About the Role:

As Mill’s Production Operations Manager you will be responsible for all stages of hardware production operations activities with Mill’s strategic manufacturing partners to ensure delivery of high quality, cost effective, and on-schedule products.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Mill’s manufacturing organizational efforts both tactically and strategically to achieve critical business objectives on quality, cost and on time delivery of our cutting edge hardware products.
• Lead and continue to develop a high-performing product manufacturing team with responsibilities for hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Manage Mill’s in-region Manufacturing Operations team which includes manufacturing and factory test engineering functions.
• Work closely with internal cross-functional teams including engineering, supply chain, logistics and finance to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the manufacturing life cycle.
• Collaborate with Mill’s product, design and engineering teams to successfully launch, ramp, and sustain Mill products on budget and at desired quality and reliability levels.
• Responsible for business relationships and the day-to-day management of Mill’s manufacturing partners. Single point of contact for NPI schedules, production plans, unit pricing and cost negotiations.
• Identify areas for process improvement and implement strategies to quickly identify issues, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
• Qualify manufacturing processes on each new product introduction, including working with manufacturing partners to ensure appropriate line layout, work instructions, operator training, and assembly equipment calibration are validated and in place.
• Monitor production processes and strategies to ensure the utmost quality, efficiency, productivity, and profitability targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Establish in-line rework and re-test standards, and associated reporting.
• Drive cost reductions and product quality improvements through manufacturing yield enhancement programs.
• Support configuration control systems to manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), product specifications, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Deviations, etc.
• Oversight and documentation of the manufacturing Shop Floor Control System
• Technical skills to drive design for manufacturing efforts on all new products to ensure products are optimized for manufacturability, quality, reliability, serviceability, flexibility and cost.

Qualifications

• BS in ME, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years work experience in Manufacturing Operations or related disciplines.
• Expert knowledge of manufacturing, test, supplier mgt & statistical process controls.
• Excellent project management, partner management, communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-starter, with ability to work independently
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated strong business judgment and decision-making skills; ability to identify, prioritize, and articulate high impact initiatives
• Ability to balance short-term execution needs with long-term strategic goals
• Exceptional ability to problem solve, develop creative solutions, and demonstrate resourcefulness, while maintaining acute attention to detail.
• Outstanding leadership skills, with a track record of developing and motivating talent.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $158k to $202k, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, market conditions, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and business and organizational needs. At Mill, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role.