Factory Manager

Location: Dexter

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls.

Graco is part of your daily life.

Where You'll Work - White Knight Fluid Handling Inc., a subsidiary of Graco, Inc.

White Knight was established in 1995 and has consistently developed and manufactured high-quality products. We are a leading supplier of pumps and fluid transfer technology to the semiconductor, Solar Cells, LEDs, flat-panel displays, electronic and industrial markets.

Ready to join us?

Factory Manager

Manage operations using world-class manufacturing techniques for continuous improvement in process, quality, service, products, and environment. Plan, direct, and coordinate work activities and resources to manufacture products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications, while fostering a culture of safety, employee development, and operational excellence.

What You Will Do at QED

Strategic Leadership

* Develop and execute annual business plans, objectives, and strategies for all factory departments and cells.

* Lead and implement manufacturing initiatives to improve cost, inventory turns, quality, and delivery.

* Drive change management and process improvement efforts, utilizing lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Operational Excellence

* Monitor and manage key performance metrics: safety, customer service levels, cost to produce, inventory turns, cost of quality, productivity, and efficiency.

* Research, justify, and implement new technologies to maximize profitability and competitiveness.

* Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality management systems (QMS).

Team Development & Engagement

* Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing manufacturing team, including direct and indirect reports.

* Set clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback, recognize achievements, and take corrective action when necessary.

* Foster cross-functional relationships and collaborate with non-manufacturing managers and key partners.

Systems & Process Management

* Develop and support systems for production planning, capacity management, inventory control, and purchasing.

* Implement and audit QMS, utilizing quality management techniques for problem-solving and corrective action.

* Establish and maintain process documentation to enable scalability and support organizational change.

Safety & Environment

* Ensure a clean, safe, and organized working environment conducive to efficient and productive operations.

* Champion safety protocols and drive year-over-year improvement toward an injury-free environment.

* Spend a minimum of 10-15% of time on the factory floor to maintain visibility and drive engagement.

Continuous Improvement

* Identify and implement processes and systems that support continuous improvement, including cost reduction initiatives and lean manufacturing.

* Lead and participate in process improvement and change management efforts.

Other Duties

* Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

What You Will Bring to QED

Education

* Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field required.

* MBA or advanced engineering degree preferred.

Experience

* 8+ years of manufacturing experience, including methods, process improvement, and capital equipment purchases.

* Minimum 5 years supervisory experience; experience as Factory/Plant Manager preferred.

* Experience with acquisition and integration is highly valuable.

Knowledge & Skills

* Strong knowledge of manufacturing information systems (forecasting, MRP, SPC, labor, costing).

* Understanding of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

* Proven leadership, coaching, facilitating, and counseling capabilities.

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).

* Strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills.

* Demonstrated ability to implement manufacturing initiatives and manage annual budgets.

* Ability to drive change, establish scalable processes, and lead teams through organizational transformation.

* Experience supervising manufacturing employees and leading cross-functional teams.

Why Join QED

* Significant opportunities to drive cost efficiencies and expand the business globally.

* Be part of a company consistently pursuing acquisitions and growth.

* Strong potential for career advancement and professional development.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's…