Director of Manufacturing

JOB PURPOSE

The Manufacturing Head will oversee all aspects of the machining of the manufacturing operations ,ensuring optimal plant performance and high-quality standards compliant with Turkish standard. This role involves optimizing production efficiency, managing resources, and maintaining compliance with Turkish labor laws and industry standards. The ideal candidate will apply technical expertise, leadership competencies aligned with Turkey's manufacturing sector needs (e.g., digital skills, process innovation), and analytical skills to drive continuous improvements.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the production and operations of plant manufacturing, ensuring efficient workflows.
• Ensure safety standards are met, particularly for machining, automation and robotic systems, in line with Turkish Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Optimize cycle times to increase production output and reduce waste.
• To manage people and their team performance, fostering multi-disciplinary competencies as per Industry 4.0 demands in Turkish manufacturing.
• Oversee quality control processes, including adherence to global and Turkish standards (e.g., TS EN ISO).
• Control the usage of consumables to manage production costs effectively.
• Conduct and monitor layered audits to ensure product and process quality.
• Implement poka-yoke mistake-proofing techniques to improve production processes.
• Identify new operational requirements and enhancements to ensure continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute plans to prevent efficiency loss, minimize downtime, and improve overall machine efficiency.
• Collaborate with teams to meet customer requirements and handle key client interactions related to production needs.
• Lead skill development initiatives for teams working with robotics and automated processes to enhance system performance, emphasizing upskilling in digital literacy and English proficiency per Turkish trends.
• To maintain operational execution.
• To develop products as per the R&D standard instruction.
• To support R&D in providing trials for sample manufacturing for the customers.
• To manage support functions such as Quality, HR, R&D, and Maintenance departments, ensuring HR compliance with written contracts and SGK registration under Turkish Labor Law.

Education Qualification Requirements

B.Tech / M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field, aligned with TQF Level 7+ for manufacturing leadership.

Experience In Years

Minimum of 15-20 years in manufacturing, preferably with expertise in small or large manufacturing units in Turkey, including proven leadership in foundry operations and strategic expansions.

Competencies Required to Succeed in the Role

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with resource-based view competencies for innovation in Turkish manufacturing.
• Proficiency in machining, mechanical press, hydraulic press, SPMs, robotics, and foundry processes (e.g., iron casting), plus digital capabilities for Industry 4.0.
• Effective communication, persuasion, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including fluent English and cross-cultural team leadership.
• Ability to innovate, adapt processes, implement lean/Six Sigma, and ensure compliance with Turkish labor standards (e.g., no discrimination, fair termination practices).
• Leadership in team development, safety culture, and operational excellence for scalability to enterprise-wide manufacturing head role.

Key Success Factor

• Successful reduction in rework and rejection rates.
• Maintenance of compliance with industry and Turkish standards.
• Improved cost efficiency in consumables and power usage.
• Consistent enhancement of team skills, particularly in automation and digital tools.
• Effective implementation of strategies for operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and promotion readiness within 12-18 months.