JOB DETAILS

Director of Manufacturing Operations

CompanyCharter Next Generation
LocationLexington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 6, 2026
About The Company
Charter Next Generation (CNG) is a leading producer of specialty films and sustainable material science solutions in North America—advancing the future of flexible packaging and other critical applications across the food, consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial markets. With 2,600+ employee-owners and 18 U.S. facilities, we combine world-class manufacturing with purpose-driven innovation to help solve global challenges: extending food shelf life, reducing waste, protecting products, and enabling a low-carbon, circular economy. Our purpose—Enhancing Lives for a Better World—guides everything we do, from the materials we engineer to the partnerships we build. Every day, our employee-owners show that every moment matters—bringing passion, care, and accountability to the work that powers progress. Through our company-wide call to “Own Your Moment,” we empower individuals to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful difference. Our award-winning GreenArrow™ portfolio includes recyclable, compostable, PCR-based, and low-carbon films—helping customers meet their most ambitious sustainability goals without compromising performance or quality. What sets us apart? Every employee is an owner. We are a proud partner of Ownership Works™—ensuring every team member shares in our success and drives it. This shared ownership fuels innovation, agility, and long-term value creation across every part of our business. In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone—producing over 1 billion pounds of film, with 86% designed for recyclability at the point of manufacture. Our progress reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and innovation at scale. We’re proud to be recognized by EcoVadis, CDP, and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for our leadership in climate action, transparency, and responsible growth.
About the Role

At CNG, we are owners. We empower every individual to make a significant impact — because every moment matters. Whether you’re starting your career journey or aiming for the next level, we foster a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Why Join CNG?

Employee Ownership: Every employee receives equity shares, enabling you to participate in our company's growth and prosperity.

Work-Life Balance: We support true work-life integration for all CNG employee owners.

Career Growth: Advance your career within our expanding network of manufacturing facilities with comprehensive training and development programs.

Purpose-Driven Work: Help create sustainable packaging solutions that reduce food waste and protect our environment for future generations.

The Role

From machine operators to maintenance technicians to quality inspectors, our teams help protect what matters most—making everyday life safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, Flexible Business Hours

What You'll Do

Production Management 

  • Oversee manufacturing operations across multiple facilities, ensuring coordinated execution of production activities and consistent achievement of safety, quality, and output targets
  • Partner with S&OP to optimize production schedules through data-driven planning methodologies
  • Design and implement workforce planning strategies that maximize operational efficiency and resource utilization
  • Monitor production performance data to identify trends and implement corrective actions
  • Direct inventory management strategies and coordinate with supply chain partners to optimize stock levels and ensure uninterrupted material flow

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives and growth targets
  • Lead and mentor Plant Managers and operational support staff, fostering professional development and high performance
  • Build a culture of operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement
  • Design and track KPIs to measure operational success and inform strategic decisions
  • Lead change management initiatives to drive operational improvements and cultural transformation
  • Communicate effectively with leaders across all levels—peers, department leaders, and direct reports—to foster collaboration and deliver solutions across all functions

Process Improvement

  • Lead implementation of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives across all facilities
  • Develop and execute cost reduction strategies through process optimization and efficiency improvements
  • Spearhead automation and technology projects to enhance operational capabilities
  • Establish continuous improvement frameworks that encourage employee participation and deliver measurable results

Health and Safety Leadership

  • Partner with Safety Leaders to ensure full compliance with OSHA standards and workplace safety regulations
  • Foster a culture of safety through consistent communication and employee engagement

Resource Management

  • Develop and manage annual operating budgets aligned with organizational objectives
  • Oversee capital equipment planning, procurement, and capital improvement projects
  • Optimize resource allocation across facilities and monitor operating expenses to ensure budget compliance

Cross-functional Leadership

  • Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Procurement, and Commercial teams to align manufacturing operations with organizational goals
  • Partner with HR Group Leaders on talent management and succession planning for key manufacturing positions
  • Support new product introduction initiatives through cross-functional collaboration
  • Facilitate regular communication across departments to ensure alignment of objectives and drive organizational improvements


What You’ll Bring

Essential Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field
  • Master's degree preferred (MBA, Engineering Management, or related)
  • Professional certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt or PMP are strongly preferred
  • 7 - 10 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience in a high-volume production environment
  • 3 - 5 years of senior leadership experience managing multiple facilities or departments
  • Demonstrated track record with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and organizational change leadership
  • Experience managing budgets $500MM Revenue and teams of 350+ employees
  • Proven experience with ERP systems, manufacturing technology, and automation implementation

Compensation & Benefits 

Total Rewards:

  • Employee Ownership – Become a company owner day 1!
  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance upon hire
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid vacation 
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Career advancement opportunities across 15+ facilities

Ready to Own Your Future?

Join a team where every voice matters, every contribution counts, and every employee shares in our success.

 Charter Next Generation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn More About CNG:

  • Visit our careers page: cnginc.com/careers
  • Discover our employee ownership program: cnginc.com/careers/employee-ownership
  • See what makes us different: cnginc.com/careers/why-cng

#WeAreCNG

Key Skills
Manufacturing operationsProduction managementLean manufacturingSix SigmaStrategic leadershipBudget managementCapital equipment planningChange managementWorkforce planningInventory managementContinuous improvementProcess optimizationData-driven planningCross-functional leadershipOSHA complianceERP systems
Categories
ManufacturingManagement & LeadershipEngineeringEnvironmental & SustainabilityLogistics
Benefits
Equity sharesMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceHoliday payPaid vacation401(k) with company matchPerformance-based bonusesTuition reimbursement
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Director of Manufacturing Operations will oversee production activities across multiple facilities to ensure safety, quality, and output targets are met. They will also lead strategic initiatives, including lean manufacturing implementation, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive operational excellence.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
10+
💼Company Size
958
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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