Director of Global Manufacturing Operations

Job Title: Director of Global Manufacturing Operations

Department: Operations

Location: Pullman, Washington

Salary: $170,000 - $190,000 (DOE)

About Addium 

Addium is a fast-growing company in agricultural and food testing measurement technology, focusing on innovative solutions for controlled environmental agriculture and processed food manufacturing. Our offerings, comprising science, sensors, software, and consulting, assist our customers in optimizing operations, increasing yields, and ensuring quality, safety, and compliance standards are consistently met.

Position Summary

The Director of Manufacturing Operations will report to the Exec. VP and will lead the contract manufacturing, in house final assembly/calibration, and logistics, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency across all processes. This role requires a strategic leader with a hands-on approach to manage day-to-day production and support the continuous improvement of production capabilities and efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Hybrid Production Management: define and execute the global manufacturing strategy, overseeing external Contract Manufacturers (CMs) for component production while managing in-house teams for high-precision final assembly, firmware flashing, and calibration.
• CM Relationship & Negotiation: Own the relationship with global contract manufacturers. Negotiate Master Service Agreements, enforce SLAs, and conduct regular audits to ensure partners meet the strict tolerances required for scientific instrumentation.
• S&OP management: Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Collaborate with Sales and Finance to align demand forecasts with production schedules, optimizing inventory levels to support "High Mix, Low Volume" complexity without tying up excessive working capital.

Operational Excellence (In-House & Logistics)

• Final Assembly & Calibration Oversight: Manage the daily operations of the internal team responsible for the final configuration and calibration of sensors. Ensure every unit leaving the dock meets rigorous scientific accuracy standards.
• Global Logistics & Compliance: Direct global warehousing, freight, and distribution networks. Navigate complex international trade compliance (import/export) for technical products and optimize shipping routes to ensure timely delivery to customers.
• NPI (New Product Introduction): Partner with DFM to transition new sensing technologies from prototype to mass production. Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback loops to reduce complexity and cost before products hit the assembly line.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Quality Management System (QMS): Uphold and evolve the required quality standards. Implement rigorous testing for incoming materials and finished goods to minimize field failures and warranty claims.
• Process Optimization: Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce cycle times,  improve quality, and eliminate waste in the supply chain.
• Cost Control: Own the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) metrics. Continuously identify opportunities to reduce material and operational costs while maintaining product integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) are a plus.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a complex, precision product high-tech, electronics manufacturing leadership role that includes the entire operations envelope from product definition, to production including the logistics process on the front end and the back end of the manufacturing process.  You must have strong financial skills and work closely with a financial team member, in our case the Corporate Controller.
• Proven experience in improving and scaling production operations in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing organization.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to make data-driven decisions.
• Commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match (up to 4% after your first year)
• Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, and 11 Paid Holidays 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Clear paths for career advancement as you grow with us
• Company-paid life and disability insurance for peace of mind
• Health savings account and flexible spending account options
• A collaborative, inclusive work environment with regular team-building activities and fun company events

Addium, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and supported. All qualified applicants are considered regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, veteran or disability status, religion, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected status.