Director of Manufacturing
Athena Ag, Inc. · Sacramento, CA
Apply & track with Apply EdgeThe company's operating philosophy is to improve quality, reduce costs, drive consistency, and make the complex simple through disciplined products, procedures, technical support, and hands-on facility guidance. We continue to invest in the people, systems, and technology that support our rapidly growing portfolio of products and brands.
About the Role
Athena is seeking a Director of Manufacturing to lead safe, reliable, and efficient production as our business grows. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll own manufacturing performance across safety, quality, production planning, cost, equipment reliability, and team development.This role calls for a technically capable leader who can move comfortably between operational planning and hands-on problem-solving. You’ll develop supervisors and production teams, strengthen manufacturing processes, and adapt quickly as demand, materials, and equipment availability change.
What You’ll Do
Manufacturing Leadership: Lead manufacturing operations, production teams, and day-to-day execution, with clear expectations for safety, quality, service, and cost.Production Planning: Own production planning, scheduling, capacity, and staffing; adjust priorities quickly and communicate changes to downstream teams.Performance and Cost Management: Establish manufacturing KPIs, analyze performance, and manage budgets, labor efficiency, operating costs, and throughput.Continuous Improvement: Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, resolve recurring problems, and improve quality and productivity.Equipment Reliability: Assess operational risks, troubleshoot production issues, and partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability.Team Development: Hire, coach, and develop supervisors and production employees while building engagement and accountability.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Distribution, Product Development, and Operations to align production with business needs.Capacity and Growth: Support new equipment, automation, product launches, and manufacturing processes that expand capacity and support continued growth.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant manufacturing leadership experience.At least 10 years of progressively responsible manufacturing experience, including at least 5 years leading manufacturing operations, supervisors, and production teams at comparable scale and complexity.Experience managing production planning, scheduling, capacity, staffing, and day-to-day execution while responding to changes in demand, materials, and equipment availability.Demonstrated success using Lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods to improve safety, quality, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost.Experience managing manufacturing budgets, labor and operating costs, and performance metrics, with the ability to analyze results and implement corrective actions.Experience implementing workplace safety practices, standard operating procedures, and quality management systems in a manufacturing environment.Experience partnering with Maintenance and Engineering to troubleshoot equipment, improve reliability, and implement equipment or process improvements.Experience using ERP or manufacturing planning systems and data analysis tools to support production decisions, inventory accuracy, and performance reporting.Experience hiring, coaching, and developing supervisors and production employees, managing performance, and leading teams through operational change.Calm, pragmatic leadership, strong mechanical aptitude, and sound judgment when balancing safety, quality, cost, and competing production priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in engineering, manufacturing management, operations management, business administration, or a related discipline.Professional certification such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, APICS CPIM, or a comparable manufacturing or operational certification.Experience in fertilizer, agricultural inputs, chemical processing, or a comparable batch manufacturing environment, including dry blending, liquid formulation, filling, or packaging operations.Experience expanding manufacturing capacity, commissioning new equipment or production lines, or implementing automation and scalable manufacturing processes.Experience operating in an ISO 9001-certified or similarly quality-controlled manufacturing environment, including supporting audits and corrective actions.Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system used for production planning, work orders, bills of materials, and inventory control.Why Join Athena:You’ll have the opportunity to shape Athena’s manufacturing operations and make a direct impact on product quality, production reliability, and cost. Working with the COO and cross-functional leaders, you’ll help build the processes and capabilities needed for continued growth.This is a role for someone who enjoys solving practical problems, developing people, and turning operational data into measurable improvements. Your leadership will help teams deliver consistently while adapting to a growing business.Athena Ag, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.