Manufacturing Director

Facility Size: 1,000+ employees
Reports To: Senior Leadership Team

Dart Container is seeking a dynamic and strategic Manufacturing Director to lead one of our largest facilities in Leola, PA. This role is responsible for driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and cost across multiple production and warehouse departments. The ideal candidate will embody servant leadership, foster a “One Team” culture, and inspire operational excellence through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

• Lead and develop high-performing plant leadership teams through coaching, accountability, and strategic direction.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, OEE, machine reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize throughput and reduce waste.
• Ensure full compliance with safety regulations, GMP standards, company policies, and customer requirements.
• Manage multiple departments and buildings, ensuring consistent performance and resource optimization.
• Oversee capital expenditure evaluations and budgeting to ensure strategic investments deliver ROI.
• Achieve and sustain KPI targets across safety, production, service, and financial metrics.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in plant/facility management within a large-scale manufacturing environment (800+ employees).
• Demonstrated success in turnaround situations and elevating underperforming areas.
• Experience hiring, training, and mentoring Operations/Production Managers and key staff.
• Strong background in high-speed manufacturing and improving OEE, TPM, and financial metrics.
• Strategic mindset with long-term vision and planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead through change and support evolving business needs.

Distinguishing Competencies

• Servant leadership with a focus on team development and collaboration.
• Ability to inspire with a compelling vision and steady presence on the plant floor.
• Resilience and adaptability in navigating transitions and business evolution.
• Commitment to safety excellence and operational integrity.

Why Join Dart?
At Dart, we believe in empowering leaders to make a lasting impact. You’ll be part of a company that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and drive results, we invite you to apply.

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red Solo cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for more than 50 years. Dart is a family-owned, family-focused company of 13,000 employees united by a shared set of values. Headquartered in Mason, MI, Dart has 30 locations in four countries.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace.  Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.

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Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.