This newly created role in Gibson’s Operations Leadership Team aims to formalize and mature capabilities that are critical to the ongoing evolution of Gibson’s US-based manufacturing operations. The Gibson name has the distinction of being the only major stringed instrument brand to be exclusively US-manufactured. The successful candidate will be integral to furthering Gibson’s 130 year legacy of ‘made in America’ manufacturing innovation.
The ideal candidate draws from extensive Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and Automation experience that will lead and support Gibson in substantially increasing throughput, reducing waste, and improving quality. Additionally, candidates should have proven Change Management capabilities to enable them to effectively engage our Team Members at all levels to contribute to, and adopt, efficient and effective ways of working.
The Manufacturing Engineering Director will lead a dedicated team that will be leveraged across Gibson’s US manufacturing sites, with the ability to work cross-functionally in a matrix structure with high-caliber teammates in Quality Assurance, Continuous Improvement, Product Development, and Factory Leadership. Critical to the success of this role is the collaboration on key initiatives and the development of critical engineering competencies across our manufacturing function and locations.
Extensive, direct knowledge of Product Engineering for Manufacturing, Master Data, Transformational Engineering and Capital project management, and the critical role of a high-performing Maintenance function are critical. We foster a high-performing and respectful work culture that revolves around a commitment to producing the iconic musical instruments that make Gibson legendary, and champion the craftspeople who make them.
The successful candidate must be motivated by the opportunity to start with a broad mandate and shape their role and team over time in partnership with Gibson’s senior operations leaders.
Main duties
Engineering Strategy and Facility Support
- Works closely with facility leadership to determine opportunities in a data-driven manner and leverages problem-solving best practices to identify and prioritize projects, structure activities, and leads/oversees the facility’s resources in the successful and timely execution of projects.
- Expertise in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE), while also supporting continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
- Identifies and implements process improvements using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
- Collaborates with Operational leaders to develop strategies that enable step-change performance of Gibson operations and track expectations to deliver results.
- Stays on the leading edge of automation and technical solutions that can be applied within our environment. Applies technology pragmatically with a clear understanding of the integration requirements and challenges, and the need for effective change management.
- Builds highly capable teams of engineers to execute advancements in waste reduction, capacity expansion, production efficiency, flow acceleration and quality improvement.
- Collaborates with other functions seamlessly to leverage entire organizations for maximum benefit
- Leads overall project pipeline to achieve ongoing cost reduction, delivery and quality improvement goals
- In partnership with the facility teams, guides the development of manufacturing technology roadmaps for each Gibson facility
Capital Projects and Maintenance
- Centralizes and develops Capex plans and justifications to optimize spending across all US facilities for maximum benefit to Gibson, and monitors successful completion of spending projects, with subsequent tracking for benefit achievement.
- Develops, organizes, and oversees a Nashville regional Maintenance Leader and team that services all Operations facilities in a timely and high-performing manner.
Other Duties
- Employee can be asked to perform other duties that are reasonable within the area of expertise
Required Skills/Abilities
Skills and Competencies
- Business acumen to effectively interact with Executives, Contractors and Suppliers
- Implementing and sustaining processes where none may exist (Technical, Project and Engineering Management)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and drive change across the organization.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
- 15+ years of engineering leadership experience in a highly technical manufacturing environment making consumer goods where performance and aesthetics are critical
- Must have experience with the following:
- Manufacturing processes and production flow
- Fundamental and established use of Lean Manufacturing techniques, principles and methods as a way of working
- Project management of Capex >$10M and duration >6months
- Automation
- Demonstrated experience establishing and scaling new functions/capabilities
- Success leading central functions in a multi-site environment, with a track record of driving change at a site level through partnership and influence
- Demonstrated experience successfully leading and coaching teams through significant change
- Preferred: plant leadership experience earlier in career (e.g. plant manager, production manager, supervisor)
- Influential collaborator to drive and support initiatives/projects with positive Change Management methods and approaches
- Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, and Visual Management
- Experience in managing large-scale manufacturing projects and capital investments.
- Experience in high-volume or advanced manufacturing industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace, electronics, or medical devices).
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen). Proven ability to manage large-scale projects and implement innovative solutions.
- Guitar and/or industrial woodworking experience preferred
Work Environment
Internal:
- Manufacturing locations
- Office locations
- Showroom
International locations External:
- Sales office locations
- Supplier manufacturing locations
Travel Requirements
- Travel required between Gibson locations.
Physical Demands
- Basic physical stances and actions (sitting, standing, walking)
We celebrate diversity and Gibson Brands, Inc is an Equal Opportunity employer.
