Manufacturing Engineer / Operational Manager

Manufacturing Engineering / Operational Excellence Manager – Furniture Manufacturing

 Location: Clayton, NC (On-Site)

 Full-Time | Direct Hire

 Compensation: $130,000 – $160,000

Ashton North is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineering / Operational Excellence Manager for a leading furniture manufacturer located near Raleigh/Durham, NC. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone with deep manufacturing experience—furniture and upholstery background highly preferred.

This company specializes in contract furniture and uses LEAN Manufacturing principles to navigate a high-mix, low-volume production model. Employee engagement, continuous improvement, and quality assurance are cornerstones of their success, and this role will drive all three.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team focused on cost reduction, lean implementation, and operational excellence
• Develop and implement plant-wide LEAN initiatives and quality control systems
• Oversee the maintenance department, vendor contractors, and PM activities for production machinery
• Manage plant engineering changes, launch readiness, BOMs, routings, and work cell layouts
• Collaborate with product design teams to ensure new product introductions are “production friendly”
• Provide leadership in reviewing product designs to meet cost and efficiency targets
• Maintain and improve manufacturing QA processes in alignment with ISO 9001 / ISO 14000
• Evaluate staffing needs, support recruitment, and drive performance management within the department
• Coordinate supplier development with Purchasing and Design Engineering teams
• Foster employee development and succession planning in partnership with HR

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in furniture or durable goods
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience
• Proven success with LEAN Manufacturing and Quality Assurance methodologies
• Working knowledge of: powder painting, wood finishing, welding, automation, PFMEA, GD&T, PPAP, APQP
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills
• P.Eng designation or eligibility strongly preferred
• Ability to travel as needed (domestic and international)

What This Role Offers:

• Competitive base salary ($130K–$160K)
• Excellent health benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• High-impact leadership role with career advancement potential
• Stable and exciting work environment within a growing organization