Head of Manufacturing
Industrialization, Factory Buildout & Mass Production
Reports to: COO
Role Summary
Own end-to-end manufacturing including industrialization, factory setup (internal + CM), production, yield, and cost.
Holds final authority on manufacturability and ECO release into production.
Key Responsibilities
1. Manufacturing Strategy & Setup
- Define make vs buy strategy
- Lead internal factory buildout (layout, infra, capacity)
- Establish scalable manufacturing model
2. Industrialization & SOP
- Own transition from NPI → SOP
- Validate tooling, processes, and line readiness
- Lead line qualification (Run@Rate, ORT, etc.)
3. Production Operations (Internal + CM)
- Manage contract manufacturers and internal lines
- Drive output, throughput, and cost efficiency
- Ensure production meets demand and quality targets
4. Yield & Process Control
- Own FPY, OEE, rework, and scrap reduction
- Implement SPC, PFMEA, and Control Plans
- Drive process stability and variation reduction
5. ECO Release Authority
- Final approval for all ECOs entering production
- Ensure manufacturability validation before release
- Prevent unvalidated designs from reaching production
6. Field Failure Reduction (Manufacturing)
- Own manufacturing-related failure reduction
- Drive root cause elimination in processes
- Ensure feedback loop to Engineering
7. Manufacturing Governance
- Establish KPI cadence (yield, output, downtime)
- Implement MES / traceability systems
- Provide clear reporting to leadership
Ownership Boundaries
- Owns: Manufacturing, industrialization, production, yield, factory
- Does NOT own: Product design, supplier qualification (SQE under Supply Chain)
Experience Required
- 15–20+ years in manufacturing leadership
- Experience in consumer electronics / electromechanical assembly
- Proven experience in factory setup + CM management
Technical Strength
- Deep expertise in:
- Line design & balancing
- Process engineering
- Yield optimization
- Industrialization
Success Metrics
- FPY / yield improvement
- Production output vs plan
- Manufacturing-related field failure reduction
- Cost per unit reduction
- Line stability and predictability
Why This Role Matters
Ensures products are built right, at scale, and profitably, converting engineering into reliable production.
