Director of Manufacturing

CSG Talent is partnering with a growing industrial technology company developing proprietary solutions for critical-mineral recovery and process-industry applications.

The company is seeking a Director of Manufacturing to move its technologies from prototype and pilot stage into repeatable commercial production.

A major part of the position will involve managing contract manufacturers in China. You will act as the link between US-based engineering teams and Chinese suppliers, ensuring products are manufactured to the required cost, quality, technical and delivery standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's manufacturing strategy.

• Take engineered products from prototype through validation and commercial production.

• Introduce DFM/DFA and manufacturing-readiness processes.

• Select, qualify and manage contract manufacturers and component suppliers in China.

• Conduct factory visits, supplier audits, production reviews and acceptance testing.

• Translate engineering designs into manufacturing specifications, bills of materials and quality requirements.

• Manage the manufacture of modular process equipment, fluid-handling systems, fabricated components and instrumentation.

• Negotiate supplier pricing, capacity, lead times and delivery schedules.

• Establish QA/QC, inspection, non-conformance and corrective-action processes.

• Develop product-cost models and lead cost-reduction initiatives.

• Coordinate international procurement, logistics and field deployment.

• Resolve manufacturing and reliability issues with suppliers and engineering teams.

Candidate Profile

You will ideally bring:

• A degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing or a related engineering discipline.

• Manufacturing or product-industrialisation experience within water treatment, wastewater, oil and gas, specialty chemicals, filtration, separation technology or modular process equipment.

• Experience taking process technology or engineered equipment from R&D or pilot stage into commercial manufacture.

• Direct experience managing contract manufacturers and international suppliers.

• Previous experience working with Chinese manufacturers would be highly advantageous.

• Knowledge of process equipment including pumps, piping, valves, tanks, filtration, heat exchangers, instrumentation and controls.

• Strong experience across DFM, supplier qualification, QA/QC, cost reduction and production readiness.

• The ability to communicate clearly across engineering, manufacturing, quality and commercial teams.

• A hands-on approach suited to an early-stage technology business.

• Willingness to travel regularly to China and other international locations.

Mandarin language skills would be advantageous but are not essential. Direct critical-minerals experience is also not required.

Why Join?

• Build the manufacturing function at a key stage of commercial growth.

• Manage an international contract-manufacturing network.

• Lead proprietary technologies from pilot deployment into commercial production.

• Influence product design, cost, quality and supplier strategy.

• Receive equity and meaningful long-term influence within a growing business.