Senior Manufacturing Manager

Pacific International has been exclusively retained by a global leader in safety-critical consumable products used across the food and environmental quality industries. With nearly $1B in annual revenue, a rapidly expanding U.S. footprint, and a mission that directly supports public health and product integrity worldwide, the business is investing heavily in operational excellence, people leadership, and system modernization across key manufacturing sites.

This role represents a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership position within one of the organization’s largest U.S. operations, located in Lexington, Kentucky. The site has experienced significant growth, integration of new product lines, and operational transformation, creating a need for a strong, hands-on manufacturing leader who can bring structure, stability, and cultural alignment while continuing to elevate performance.

The Senior Manufacturing Manager will lead daily operations across multiple shifts, mentor a diverse workforce, strengthen production systems, and help drive standardization, safety, and quality. With continued investment in people, processes, and upcoming ERP enhancements, the role offers exceptional visibility and clear succession potential within the site’s leadership structure.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across a multi-shift, high-volume environment producing mission-critical consumable products.
• Manage and develop front-line leadership, including production supervisors, team leads, and manufacturing personnel.
• Establish and refine KPIs, daily management systems, tiered accountability structures, and performance metrics for throughput, yield, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Drive cultural alignment by building trust, strengthening communication, and elevating expectations across a diverse, multilingual workforce.
• Implement and reinforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring consistency, quality, compliance, and operational discipline.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance) to optimize production flow, support new product launches, and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce variation, stabilize output, and enhance safety.
• Prepare the site for future ERP and SAP-related initiatives, supporting system readiness and training.
• Serve as a key member of the site leadership team with the potential to assume expanded responsibilities over time.

What We’re Looking For:

• 5–12 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with direct oversight of supervisors and hourly teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, empathy, and relationship-building—not authority alone.
• Strong experience in stabilizing teams, improving accountability, and elevating cultural expectations.
• Proven track record implementing KPIs, production management systems, and standardized processes.
• Background in high-volume, regulated, or consumables manufacturing is highly preferred (food, CPG, medical device, packaging, chemical, hygiene products).
• Experience working with diverse or multilingual workforces is a significant advantage.
• Hands-on leadership style with high visibility on the production floor.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and act decisively.
• Continuous improvement, Lean, 5S, or ERP/SAP familiarity is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• This is an on-site leadership role based in Lexington, KY.

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact: aleen.kirmani@pacific-international.com