Director of Manufacturing

Company: SATO America
Location: Romeoville
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

SATO America is seeking a detail-orientated, service-focused, Director of Manufacturing.At SATO America, LLC our mission is to create new value for our customers through products and services of superior quality and to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world. In over 80 years, SATO has fostered a culture of professionalism and customer-centric innovation with an unchanging mission of value creation for customers that, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable world. Do you have what it takes to be our customer's most trusted partner for mutual growth, and always essential in an ever-changing world? If so, look no further. We have a place for you.Summary:Incumbent will be responsible for directing and overseeing the organization's manufacturing operations across four facilities and will have ownership for efficiently managing all employees and associated aspects of production, maintenance and scheduling relative to the manufacture of high-quality labels and tags. Develop, implement, measure and drive cost reduction initiatives and increase margins through sustainable process improvement efforts. Coach, counsel, train, engage and maintain a safe and productive work environment. May also oversee building maintenance and updates.Responsibilities:

• Work with SATO senior staff to create and maintain a label manufacturing strategic plan that supports the overall SATO America strategic plan. Participate in presentation of this plan to Corporate Staff to gain consensus/approval of the plan.
• Create the vision for the manufacturing organization that supports the strategic plan to achieve goals set forth.
• Implement and maintain lean processes to improve efficiency in administrative as well as direct manufacturing activities through standard work, documented processes, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the annual budgeting process as well as creating and monitoring metrics to ensure budget adherence.
• Incorporate AI in administrative processes, such as NPI, quoting, scheduling, and analysis of data collected in the manufacturing process to increase responsiveness and reduce overhead cost.
• Work with Label business leaders to develop and implement new processes, capital equipment, and/or materials to manufacture new product lines.
• Develop employees and create cohesive flexible teams to support product delivery to customers with industry leading lead times and quality.
• Develop and ensure prompt communication of KPIs to SATO senior staff.
• Lead the SATO quality organization to maintain quality and environmental certifications such as ISO 9001 and FSC chain of custody.
• Establish and/or maintain systems to communicate order status and NPI status to other organizations such as sales, marketing, and product management.
• Attract, retain, and develop high potential talent.
• Perform general leadership duties, exercising usual authority concerning staff, performance appraisals, promotions, and terminations.
• Train and develop subordinate staff, estimate personnel needs, assign work, meet completion dates, interpret and ensure consistent application of organizational policies.
• Develop succession and training plans for key positions within the organization.
• Maintain a safe work environment with a zero-incident goal that meets all industry regulatory requirements such as OSHA and EPA standards.
• Additional facility tasks include but are not limited to:
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Lease negotiation and administration
  • Interaction with facility management regarding building maintenance
  • Facility waste and recycling programs
  • Hazardous material removal contractsOther DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.Required Education and Experience:
    • A Bachelors degree in Engineering preferred coupled with 3-5 years in a leadership role or 10 + years related experience in the printing industry; preferably in a flexographic environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Demonstrated business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods and the coordination of people and resources.
    • Ability to collaborate and partner.
    • Strong financial business acumen with the ability to tie operational actions to financial results and objectives.
    • Demonstrated ability to translate vision into the development and execution of strategy.
    • Ability to effectively facilitate projects and training.
    • Proven operational and cost management skills.
    • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Strong attention to detail and solid organizational skills.
    • Demonstrated leadership background in team building and employee development.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands for this position would require a normal range of mobility necessary to physically enter and move in a manufacturing environment and interface with all functions within the facility. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear.TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:Frequent travel to/from other facilities.WORK ENVIRONMENT:While performing the duties of this job, the employee primarily works in an office environment. The employee is frequently required to enter the production area of the facility.Benefits:SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market-leading benefits program. SATO's total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life.
      • Health & Wellness: medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees' health insurance coverage along with 100% company paid Life & AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.
      • Time Away: We observe 10 company-paid holidays per year and up to ten (10) days accrued vacation time in the first year. Eleven (11) days at year two (2). Twelve (12) days at year three (3). Thirteen (13) days at year four (4) and fifteen (15) days at year five (5). We also offer six (6) accrued personal days.
      • Saving for the Future: plan for your short-term and long-term goals with our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match with no vesting schedule.
      • Work-Life: we offer an Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members, career development, growth opportunities, and referral bonuses.SATO America LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. If you are excited about this role but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.We are focused on creating and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. SATO America LLC's management team is dedicated to this policy.
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Keywords: SATO America, Orland Park , Director of Manufacturing, Executive , Romeoville, Illinois