Director of Industrial Engineering

Directors in this position leverage tools like MES and ERP systems to streamline production in a job-shop setting. By integrating simulation models and data analytics, they ensure manufacturing processes adapt efficiently to shifting market demands, which is crucial for optimizing heavy industry operations in Round Lake’s competitive landscape.

Strong cross-functional collaboration and change management skills are vital. The director must inspire continuous improvement cultures while coordinating with plant, sales, and engineering teams. Proven ability to mentor industrial engineers and lead enterprise-wide initiatives ensures scalable growth across diverse operational units.

Indeed, this role often serves as a bridge between technical expertise and executive management in manufacturing-heavy industries. It offers pathways to VP-level or operational leadership positions, especially for those who excel in strategic capacity planning and multi-site operational excellence.

The demand for seasoned directors in industrial engineering is growing in Round Lake due to expanding manufacturing operations. Employers prioritize candidates with proven expertise in lean manufacturing and ERP integration, reflecting a competitive local market emphasizing operational agility and technological adoption.

At Career Development Partners, this director role transcends traditional engineering management by embedding continuous improvement and market-responsive strategies within the company’s growth framework, fostering a culture that champions innovation and operational precision.

The company emphasizes cross-site synchronization and hands-on leadership, encouraging directors to engage directly with production control and quality assurance teams. This collaborative model enhances accountability and accelerates the adoption of advanced manufacturing methodologies unique to Career Development Partners.

Competitive compensation generally spans from $130,000 to $160,000 annually, reflecting the advanced expertise required in heavy manufacturing leadership, capacity modeling, and ERP/ MES systems integration within the Round Lake industrial sector.

Balancing fluctuating customer orders with real-time scheduling complexities is a common hurdle. Directors must continuously validate simulation models against live data to ensure production efficiency, all while navigating short lead times and bespoke job routing demands intrinsic to job-shop manufacturing.

Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and expertise in advanced ERP/MES platforms are highly regarded locally. These credentials demonstrate readiness to lead process optimization and cross-functional projects within the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.

This position requires close partnership with sales leadership to align production capacity with market demand forecasts. By integrating operational data and customer order management, the director ensures seamless coordination that drives both responsiveness and profitability.