Director of Manufacturing

Exciting Opportunity: Director of Manufacturing – Iowa Facility Opening in 2027
Be part of something big! Robinson Inc is opening a brand-new manufacturing facility in Altoona, Iowa, set to open in early 2027, and we’re looking for a dynamic Director of Manufacturing to lead the charge. This is a fantastic opportunity for a visionary leader who is excited to learn and grow company operations, build a high-performing team from the ground up, and can easily adapt to a fast-changing environment. If you’re ready to lead with confidence and shape the future of our manufacturing success, we want you to join our team!

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We appreciate your interest in joining our team! At Robinson, Inc. we pride ourselves on our manufacturing solutions and ownership culture, which support the industries we serve and our local communities. Robinson is employee-owned and is driven by a dedicated team of skilled professionals that value trust, loyalty, teamwork, integrity, and accountability as the foundations of our organization. We strive to provide customer service that goes above and beyond the standard.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for effectively managing the overall production of manufactured goods at our Altoona, Iowa facility and managing the significant potential for future production growth. This includes oversight of Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety departments. The primary responsibilities of this role are to ensure optimal operations performance through leadership and training initiatives, metrics and financial management, compliance and safety requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

ROLE + RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but not limited to)

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient processes and timely product delivery.
• Manage floor capacity and throughput using Shop-Trak to optimize productivity.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Oversee Quality, Safety, and Maintenance departments to ensure compliance, workplace safety, and equipment reliability.
• Evaluate and justify new or replacement equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
• Monitor performance metrics and financials, support capital planning and budgeting.
• Manage plant capacity and timelines; assess expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate with logistics, purchasing, and scheduling teams to streamline operations and minimize downtime.
• Partner with HR on workforce development, recruitment, training, and retention strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field required.
• Experience: minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven knowledge of production, quality, maintenance and safety.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems.
• Previous experience building a high performing team.
• Strong and impactful financial knowledge.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Leadership – Experience leading cross-functional teams through influence and achieving goals aligned with company objectives.
• Communication – Experience to express information/ideas in a professional manner to varying levels of the organization.
• Problem-Solving/Analytics – Experience with analysis, financial information, and metrics that leads to making informed decisions and generating ideas to improve overall business performance.
• Project Management – Experience overseeing the production of product from start to finish, managing budgets, and managing manufacturing capacity.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does have leadership responsibilities over multiple departments.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position does require travel to all Robinson facilities. Extensive travel to WI facilities will be required in 2026.

At Robinson, we value professionalism, expertise, and a dedication to craftsmanship. We offer a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to excel and grow within their roles. Join us in our mission to deliver exceptional metal fabrication solutions while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

Robinson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.