Manufacturing Strategy & Operations Lead We are seeking a highly skilled candidate with deep expertise in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, and capacity planning. This individual will support the development and execution of global manufacturing strategies — including footprint optimization and capital investment planning — to ensure scalable, cost-effective operations that align with long-term business growth at an expanding F500 company. The ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing leadership experience, a global mindset, cross-functional collaboration skills, and proven experience working across multiple product lines, facilities, and regions. Responsibilities: Manufacturing Strategy & Global Footprint Optimization • Evaluate and recommend manufacturing footprint strategies considering factors such as cost, geopolitical risk, technology enablement, supply chain resiliency, and customer proximity. • Identify demand signals, determine capacity constraints, and drive cross-functional collaboration to solve for any capacity gaps. • Support make-vs-buy and vertical integration analyses aligned with product and process needs. Capacity Planning & CAPEX Management • Conduct in-depth capacity modeling, scenario planning, and throughput analysis for multiple product lines. • Lead capital expenditure planning and justification for manufacturing investments, equipment, and facility expansions. • Identify and implement solutions to optimize plant loading, equipment utilization, and capital deployment. • Partner with regional and plant teams to ensure alignment with growth forecasts and demand variability. Scalability & Industrial Engineering • Apply industrial engineering principles to drive efficiency, throughput, and continuous improvement across manufacturing sites. • Conduct manufacturing research to evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and production methodologies. • Promote scalable manufacturing processes, modular BoP strategies, and digital factory principles. • Support new product introduction by integrating design for manufacturability principles and capacity readiness into early planning. Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration • Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure cross-functional alignment on strategic manufacturing decisions. • Own stakeholder management to the executive level, presenting to senior leadership on a regular basis. • Support product transfers and ramp-ups across regions, ensuring minimal disruption and operational continuity. Data-Driven Decision Making • Leverage manufacturing and business intelligence data (e.g., MES, ERP, capacity tools) to drive strategic planning. • Develop and maintain models for manufacturing cost, utilization, and capacity scenario analysis. A Strong Candidate Will Bring: • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering/Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or equivalent experience • 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or plant leadership • Knowledge of global supply chain dynamics, geopolitical influences, and total landed cost analysis • Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills; able to influence at all levels • Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement background • Experience managing manufacturing footprint requirements and facility planning • Strong CAPEX planning and justification experience • Strong analytical skills, including financial modeling and use of simulation or capacity planning software (e.g., Simio or equivalent) • Experience with digital manufacturing tools (e.g., MES, digital twins) is a plus. • Prior experience in plant management, production management, or multi-shift operations leadership preferred TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 10%