Apply Here - Factory Manager - #23324
In accordance with SKF USA recruiting policy, please be advised that to be considered you must:
- Be in your current position for at least 12 months.
- Have received a Full Achievement or higher overall performance rating.
- Notify your current Manager of your application for this position.
Reports to: Vice President, Operations Americas
Location: Sumter, SC
Job ID: 23324
Salary Range: $ 187,000.00 to $ 222,000.00
Recruiter: Brittany Kooyman
SKF Sumter, SC USA is responsible for the development and manufacturing of slewing bearings, thin section bearings, and DGBB (MRC). The Sumter factory is part of the Americas Business Area and is poised for a significant growth. The Americas Business Area operates in many countries North, Central, and south Americas. Sumter has a customer portfolio that includes many major OE manufacturers of defense, medical, industrial products and many distribution channel partners around the world. The product is highly engineered precision solutions. The Sumter location has two facilities and has 400 employees responsible for production on seals using a wide variety of molding and machining processes.
We are seeking an exceptional and hands-on leader to drive world-class factory performance through Lean Manufacturing implementation, achieving excellence in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People Morale. The Factory Manager will lead with a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, business growth, and profitability, fully aligned with SKF and Americas business strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the factory to world-class operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People Development targets.
- Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing principles, driving continuous improvement, waste elimination, and process flow optimization across all factory operations. Lead the SKF Production System (SPS) by engaging all employees in structured problem-solving and performance improvement.
- Collaborate with Sales and Commercial teams to drive business growth and profitability, improving customer responsiveness, cost competitiveness, and agility in new product launches.
- Drive innovation and digitalization to enhance efficiency, automation, and operational transparency.
- Develop and execute the factory’s strategic and annual activity plans, ensuring alignment with business KPIs, policies, and long-term objectives.
- Foster a high-performance, people-centric culture built on engagement, accountability, and development of future leaders.
- Lead change management initiatives, embedding continuous improvement and Lean thinking across all levels.
- Manage capacity, capital investments, and process capability to ensure delivery reliability and operational resilience.
- Ensure full compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and legal requirements, upholding SKF’s Code of Conduct and corporate values.
- Collaborate cross-functionally and cross-culturally to enhance end-to-end supply chain integration and customer value creation.
Core Competencies & Skills
- Strong foundation in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Expertise in Quality Systems, Maintenance & Reliability, and Production Planning.
- Deep understanding of Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory compliance.
- Proven business and financial acumen, including P&L management, cost control, and capital budgeting.
- Strong customer focus and ability to translate customer needs into operational priorities.
- Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation, automation, and digital transformation.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.
- Ability to build high-performing teams and promote a “people-first” culture.
- Effective collaboration across Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR.
- Skilled in data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and project execution.
Job Requirements
- U.S. Defense contractor eligibility (U.S. Citizenship or Green Card required).
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of manufacturing and plant management experience, including at least 5 years as Plant Manager leading full-site operations.
- Demonstrated success in Lean Manufacturing deployment and achieving measurable results in cost, quality, delivery, and safety.
- Strong customer focus with proven ability to partner with Sales to drive growth and profitability.
- Experience in precision machining and assembly operations.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with proven success in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
- Fluent in English (verbal and written).
Please note internal candidates will receive a confirmation that they have successfully applied for position.
If you do not receive this confirmation, please verify with the recruiter, (indicated at the top), that your application was indeed received.This Position is NOT open for International Recruitment.