Director, Manufacturing Strategy & Transformation
Overview Who We Are Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tennessee, ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America. With a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future. Job Summary: The Director, Manufacturing Strategy & Transformation will play a pivotal role in defining the future of manufacturing and supply chain operations for a leading electrical transformer manufacturer. Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer and partnering closely with the Chief Manufacturing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, this leader will drive enterprise-level initiatives to modernize the company’s manufacturing network, strengthen supply chain resilience, and position operations for long-term growth. This role combines strategic planning, operational insight, and transformation leadership. The [Senior] Director will lead the development of the company’s manufacturing and supply chain strategy, shape investment and modernization priorities, and guide integration efforts for acquisitions and partnerships that expand the company’s operational capabilities. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in manufacturing strategy and transformation — with the ability to translate long-term vision into actionable plans that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and competitiveness. This role can be remote in the following states: FL, GA, IL, KS, NC, NE, SD, TN, TX, WI, WY Responsibilities Manufacturing & Supply Chain Strategy • Lead the development and execution of a multi-year manufacturing and supply chain strategy aligned with enterprise transformation goals. • Define the roadmap for modernization across the manufacturing network — including advanced systems, automation, digital tools, and data-driven performance management. • Evaluate and optimize the company’s manufacturing footprint, make-versus-buy strategy, and vertical integration opportunities. • Partner with the CMO, COO, and plant leadership to align capital investments, technology upgrades, and workforce capabilities with strategic priorities. Transformation Leadership • Serve as a key architect of the company’s operational transformation — focusing on long-term capability building rather than day-to-day process oversight. • Design and lead high-impact initiatives that strengthen manufacturing agility, flexibility, and scalability. • Establish governance and performance frameworks to track transformation progress and ensure enterprise alignment. • Champion a forward-looking culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making across the operations organization. • Influence at all levels of the organization to promote strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined execution. M&A and Vertical Integration • Play a central role in identifying, evaluating, and executing vertical integration opportunities across the manufacturing and supply chain landscape. • Lead operational due diligence for potential acquisitions, with a focus on manufacturing efficiency, capacity, technology, and cost structure. • Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams to assess potential acquisitions and define post-close integration plans. • Develop strategic recommendations for how acquired operations and suppliers can be integrated to create long-term value and synergy. Technology, Data, and Systems Modernization • Partner with IT, Engineering, and Manufacturing/Operations to define the roadmap for next-generation manufacturing systems — including ERP, MES, quality, and supply chain visibility platforms. • Drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies (automation, robotics, digital twins, predictive analytics) that improve performance and reliability. • Build organizational readiness for data-driven operations and modern performance management tools. Qualifications Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related technical field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred. • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing strategy, operations leadership, or transformation, ideally within industrial manufacturing, energy, or electrical equipment sectors. • Demonstrated experience designing and executing multi-site manufacturing or supply chain modernization strategies. • Experience leading or supporting M&A activities, including vertical integration, operational diligence, and integration planning. • Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, digital operations, and capital investment planning. • Proven ability to lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives and influence at the executive level. Skills & Attributes • Strategic thinker with a systems-level view of manufacturing and supply chain value creation. • Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience building and evaluating investment business cases. • Collaborative and credible leader who can influence without direct authority. • Comfortable balancing long-term vision with pragmatic execution. • Skilled communicator with the ability to translate complex technical and operational insights into strategic recommendations. • Passion for modernizing legacy operations and building the capabilities of the future. Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career. Apply tot his job