Director – Valve Manufacturing

Job Title: Director – Valve Manufacturing

Summary:

The Director – Valve Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the production of industrial valves across one or more manufacturing sites. This role ensures high standards of quality, safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in valve machining, assembly, testing, and delivery operations. The Director leads cross-functional teams and drives operational excellence through lean practices, automation, and continuous improvement, aligning closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations Management

• Direct day-to-day operations for valve production including casting/machining, welding, assembly, testing, and shipping.

• Develop and execute strategies to meet production volume, cost, quality, and delivery goals.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.

Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S initiatives to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and enhance productivity.

• Identify and implement automation and digital manufacturing opportunities to improve efficiency.

• Collaborate with engineering and R&D to ensure design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and smooth new product introductions.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with API, ASME, ISO, PED, and other relevant standards for valve production.

• Partner with quality teams to reduce defects, rework, and customer returns through root cause analysis and preventive action.

• Ensure facility-wide adherence to EHS standards, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with supply chain and procurement to optimize materials flow, inventory levels, and vendor performance.

• Collaborate with planning and logistics teams to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Support CAPEX planning, budgeting, and technology investment decisions for manufacturing upgrades.

Team & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop production managers, supervisors, and skilled trades teams.

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Support workforce training initiatives to advance technical capabilities and career growth.

Key Focus Areas:

• High-performance valve manufacturing operations

• Production planning, lean execution, and cost control

• Safety, quality, and standards compliance (API, ASME, ISO)

• Automation, digital tools, and advanced manufacturing techniques

• Cross-functional alignment with engineering, supply chain, and quality

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (required)

• Master’s degree or MBA (preferred)

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (preferred)

• Familiarity with industry certifications: API 6D/600, ASME B16.34, ISO 9001/14001, PED

Experience:

• 10–15+ years of experience in valve or engineered product manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a plant or operations leadership role

• Proven success managing large teams, budgets, and complex production workflows

• Experience with global manufacturing operations or multi-site responsibilities is a plus

Core Competencies:

• Deep understanding of valve manufacturing processes and technologies

• Strong leadership, people management, and team development skills

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement mindset

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management