Overview

A growing commercial linear lighting company is opening its first company-owned production facility and needs someone to lead it from the ground up. There is no existing production team or established playbook to inherit. You will shape how the plant runs from the start, from equipment and layout decisions through to building the team that will operate it.

This is a builder's role more than a manager's role. Early on, you will be doing as much as directing, including fabrication, equipment troubleshooting, and whatever else it takes to keep things moving. You will report to the President while the facility gets off the ground, with the line shifting to a newly hired VP of Manufacturing once that seat is filled, and your role expanding in scope as the plant and team grow around you.

This suits someone who has taken a facility from early stage to running production before, is just as comfortable with a wrench in hand as with a project plan, and wants to be the one who builds the plant rather than the one who takes over an existing one.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Setup and Equipment

• Lead the planning, layout, and buildout of a new manufacturing facility from the ground up
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of production equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards from day one

Operations and Engineering

• Translate business strategy into practical, day-to-day operational plans
• Drive continuous improvement across production, quality, and efficiency
• Support process optimization and manufacturability initiatives, including transfer-of-work projects
• Implement a Lean manufacturing strategy across the plant
• Lead the transition of production workload from the current contract manufacturing partner

Team Building

• Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing production and support team from zero
• Manage and organize staffing levels to meet current and growing order demand
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous learning
• Coach and mentor team members as the facility scales

Hands-On Execution

• Perform hands-on tasks personally when needed, including light fabrication, equipment troubleshooting, product electrical work, local deliveries, and administrative duties
• Act as a flexible, get-it-done resource until the team is fully built out

Communication

• Serve as the main link between plant operations and executive leadership
• Provide regular updates on progress, risks, and opportunities
• Maintain clear documentation and KPI reporting

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, plant setup, or engineering leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading a facility launch or transition, including building a manufacturing operation from the ground up to full-rate production
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality management systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and genuine willingness to perform hands-on technical work personally
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, moving-target projects
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to self-start and drive tasks to completion with minimal oversight
• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening, including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks
• Willing and able to travel approximately 25% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in electronics, LED, or light-assembly manufacturing

Benefits

Package

Base Salary: $95,000 to $110,000 per year, based on experience
Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company

Haldren is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Haldren emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit

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Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Haldren or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Haldren and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Haldren and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Haldren and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Haldren and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.haldren.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Haldren and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Haldren and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Haldren and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Haldren and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Haldren or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.