Director of Production / Manufacturing

PRAXIS PACKAGING IS READY TO TAKE OFF!!! We are the best secret in pharma packaging but won’t be a secret much longer!

To help us be prepared for expansion, we need an experienced Director of Production to assist our Unette facility in Randolph, NJ. The Director of Production serves as a strategic operations leader responsible for driving performance, productivity, and process optimization across production, logistics, maintenance, and engineering. This role is pivotal in shaping and executing operational strategy, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards such as cGMP and 5S. The Director plays a key role in cultivating a performance-driven culture, managing departmental KPIs, and championing continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business goals. This a key leadership role that will report to the Sr. Vice President and help to drive efficiency at Unette to the next level! This role will have 3-5 Direct Reports and will lead a total team of about 100 employees across 2 shifts.

• Target pay is $130k-$160k annually, plus bonus.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k match, life insurance, STD/LTD, paid Vac/Holidays

Work Environment

Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments. Must be able to move throughout the production facility and respond to operational needs. Physical demands include standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs). Exposure to warehouse conditions and industrial machinery.

• No relocation will be provided to candidates for this role.

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level leadership over production, maintenance, engineering, and logistics operations to ensure alignment with company objectives
• Plan, Organize, and direct the manufacturing, logistics and maintenance operations.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies and action plans to ensure that the facility supports the company’s strategic initiatives.
• Own and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) including productivity, yield, downtime, efficiency, and quality metrics; communicate outcomes to executive leadership.
• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, accountable management team capable of executing operational goals with precision.
• Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, Six Sigma methodologies, and fact-based problem solving to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure full regulatory and internal compliance with FDA, OSHA, cGMP standards, and robust adherence to SOPs and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with finance and senior leadership on capital project planning, budgeting, facility upgrades, and resource allocation.
• Oversee production scheduling and resource planning to maximize labor, material, and equipment utilization.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that increase throughput, reduce operational waste, and enhance product quality and worker safety.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation through data-driven analysis, team engagement, and structured change management.
• Ensure accurate documentation, compliance with HR policies, and consistent execution of safety procedures and performance reviews.
• Address operational issues and employee concerns promptly and elevate to executive leadership as appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, technologies, and regulatory changes to inform strategic decisions.

Performs any other functions and duties assigned and necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of Unette & Praxis Packaging Solutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain; packaging industry preferred.
• Proven track record of managing KPIs and driving measurable improvements in production environments.
• Strong understanding of Lean, 5S, and cGMP; formal training or certification a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, manage change, and deliver results under pressure.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, data analysis, and performance dashboards.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Experience in managing various levels of employees with different educational backgrounds, work style habits, and employment histories.
• Basic comprehension of the English language:  reading and writing skills to understand and complete necessary paperwork, required.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.