Director US Manufacturing

Job Summary

The primary function of this position is to lead the U.S. Manufacturing production team to provide best in class quality, cost, and service to Carhartt in alignment with corporate goals. This role supports Carhartt’s US Internal Manufacturing model including industrial sewing, cutting and laundry operations.

Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Vice President, Product Supply and Western Hemisphere Sourcing

Location: Dearborn, MI

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Executive

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission— we serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products— we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

• Coach, mentor and develop the U.S. Internal Manufacturing production team inclusive of the Internal Manufacturing leadership team;
  Sewing, cutting, laundry and mechanic leadership.
• Responsible for managing an annual operating budget that promotes growth and profitability.
• Ensure on-time and in-full delivery of the production plan.
• Deliver leading quality levels inclusive of outbound quality levels, irregulars, repairs and first pass audit rate.
• Develop and execute a best‑in‑class U.S. Manufacturing Strategy grounded in a sustainable business model, continuous innovation, world‑class manufacturing practices, and an exceptional associate experience.
• Ensure all plant leaders and finance business partners conduct monthly reviews of Budget‑to‑Actuals (BTA) reports and update financial forecasts to reflect changes in underlying assumptions.
• Continuously assess workforce and manpower plans to support business needs, in close partnership with Human Resources to ensure best‑in‑class hiring practices.
• Drive U.S. Internal Manufacturing transformation through the Carhartt Crafted Series, creating value for associates, consumers, and Carhartt.
• Manage the continuous partnership with Labor Relations while maintaining oversight and ensuring compliance with the collective bargaining agreement for internal manufacturing operations.
• Represent U.S. Internal Manufacturing in all cross‑functional meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferably in apparel manufacturing.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience.
• Experience negotiating union contracts and resolving grievances with union associates preferred.
• Six Sigma certification a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing certification preferred.
• Skilled communicator and influencing/collaborative style, with a unique ability to inspire others in cross functional areas to work effectively together as a team to achieve a common purpose.
• Strategic thinker with intellect and analytical ability to develop both short and long term plans.
• Customer focused, Process‑oriented, yet flexible; deals well with ambiguity.
• Ability to recognize and develop effective leaders throughout the manufacturing processes.
• Must have high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel).

• Strength:
  Light
• Hazard:
  Proximity
• Travel:
  Very heavy
• This position has a Hybrid location:
  Associate will work on‑site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.