Manufacturing Manager

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead the scale up and ongoing operation of our Smith Blade manufacturing. This role owns end-to-end manufacturing execution, including machining, finishing, assembly, quality, production planning, staffing, and continuous improvement while being accountable for output, quality, and cost. 

You will build a production operation that can scale aggressively without losing quality, absorb design changes without chaos, and deliver on public commitments.

• Own day-to-day execution of Smith Blade manufacturing 
• Lead machining, finishing, assembly, quality, and process teams
• Establish production cadence, shift structure, and capacity plans
• Ensure consistent delivery against production targets

Scaling & Throughput

• Scale production from early-stage manufacturing to sustained volume output
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across the production flow
• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, and on-time delivery
• Plan and execute capacity expansions (people, equipment, floor layout, etc)
  
  

Quality & Reliability

• Establish and enforce manufacturing quality standards
• Ensure first-pass yield and rework targets are met
• Own corrective actions for systemic quality issues
• Balance speed with quality expectations
  
  

Cost & Margin Ownership

• Own manufacturing cost structure and unit economics
• Reduce scrap, rework, and non-value-add labor
• Support BOM cost optimization in collaboration with engineering and supply chain
• Deliver predictable manufacturing margins
  
  

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement culture
• Support process engineering initiatives across assembly, finishing, and machining
• Ensure manufacturing documentation, standard work, and training systems are in place
• Drive repeatability and consistency across shifts and teams
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performance manufacturing organization
• Hire, develop, and retain supervisors, engineers, and technicians
• Establish clear accountability, performance metrics, and expectations
• Foster a safety-first, quality-driven shop culture

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with:
• • Engineering and product design (DFM/DFA)
  • Supply chain and procurement
  • Finance and operations
  • Executive leadership
• Translate demand forecasts into executable production plans
• Provide manufacturing input on product roadmap and design changes
  
  

Systems & Reporting

• Define and track manufacturing KPIs:
• • Throughput
  • Yield
  • Scrap and rework
  • OEE
  • On-time delivery
• Establish clear reporting and escalation processes
• Support ERP and production planning systems

• 8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, or comparable experience gained through a combination of education and professional practice
• Proven track record scaling precision manufacturing and assembly operations
• Strong understanding of:
• • CNC-based production environments
  • Assembly-heavy manufacturing
  • Quality systems and process control
• Experience managing managers and cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Strong operational and financial acumen
• Familiarity with ERP systems for scheduling, inventory, and reporting

• Experience with premium or precision consumer products
• Experience in high-growth or startup manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with North American manufacturing compliance and safety standards
• Lean manufacturing / Six Sigma certification

You'll have the rare opportunity to build a manufacturing operation nearly from the ground up, shape the processes, assemble the team, and lead the full production of one of the most exciting new products on the market. This role offers both the challenge of launch and the reward of running a high-performance, 24/7 operation.

• Gourmet meal every work day (we have a very skilled chef on staff) 
• Snacks and coffee to keep you fueled
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Gym membership benefit
• Safety shoe allowance

You must be legally allowed to work in Canada and be local or willing to relocate. This role is based in Cambridge, Ontario and telecommuting is not an option.

Salary Range: $80k - 115k plus benefits depending on experience