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Vice President, Manufacturing 

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

About Us

At Argen, we’re in the business of creating healthy, confident smiles one case at a time. Argen is a global leader in dental manufacturing with headquarters in San Diego, CA, subsidiaries in Canada, Germany, UK, and China, and sales in 105 countries worldwide. We are 500 team members strong. Founded more than 50 years ago as a precious metals company in South Africa, Argen has grown to become the largest dental zirconia manufacturer in North America, largest dental alloy provider worldwide, and leader in digital dentistry solutions with a product offering that spans fixed, removable, ortho, implants, and equipment. Our 140,000 square foot manufacturing center houses more than 150 3D printing and milling machines and operates six days a week. Argen’s products are held to the highest standards of quality, and are FDA 510(k) cleared, ISO 13485 certified, and MDSAP compliant. Argen embodies a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and LEAN practices in support of our mission to help our dental laboratory customers succeed.

About the Opportunity

The Vice President, Manufacturing is responsible for leading all aspects of Manufacturing activities including company strategy and day-to-day operations from development through commercial production. This role is responsible for the overall operation success of Argen’s entire portfolio of products by setting overall direction, ensuring that timelines are met and resources are effectively managed. This position utilizes Lean Manufacturing and 6-Sigma principles to bring up, maintain, and continually improve in-house production and with Argen suppliers and contract manufacturers.

In this role, the successful candidate will:

  • Oversees manufacturing operations to ensure production efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction and cost effective management of resources. 
  • Responsible for day to day management of the business to achieve the budgeted operating profit and working capital targets
  • Works closely with the senior leadership team to develop, implement, and communicate the operations strategy
  • Identifies, recommends, and implements processes (i.e. LEAD and 6-sigma), technologies, and systems to continuously improve product and service quality as well as operational effectiveness and efficiency
  • Develops and implements proactive strategies for manufacturing assembly, designing process flow and implementing control systems. Focuses on improvements first, then leading innovation and new strategies.
  • Develops and implements a three-year plan in line with the company objectives and to promote revenue, profitability, and growth
  • Develops and present performance reports and metrics to the leadership team members
  • Manages each phase of manufacturing – from pilot production and low to high volume manufacturing.
  • Oversees all aspects of the site pertaining to waste minimization, yield maximization, labor utilization, and optimization of the business through effective planning.
  • Develops comprehensive operating plans and budget requirements that contribute to the achievement of the business and financial goals each year.
  • Develops and maintains clear dashboards providing clear insight on operational performance and signals of high risk issues.
  • Interfaces with other key areas of business: Engineering, Quality, Marketing, and Finance.
  • Establishes and implements safety programs in line with company values and policies
  • Provides leadership and vision to ensure that development and operational goals are achieved
  • Attracts and recruits the brightest, best technical talent and manages and leads them to achieve their maximum potential.
  • Develops and leads a culture of learning, respect and employee growth. Establishes the department's strategic vision and mentor the manufacturing ops team towards goal achievement.
  • Leads by creating a positive environment of open communication and staff development.
  • Provides continuous and timely performance feedback to direct reports, including coaching on performance management and professional advancement.
  • Provides employee recognitions for accomplishments in a thoughtful and timely manner.
  • Delegates work assignments to staff as appropriate, considering employee strengths and expertise to address associated tasks.
  • Mentors individuals, based on individual needs, to meet current job expectations and career goals.
  • Motivates and coaches employees by assessing employee performance and providing helpful feedback and training opportunities. 
  • Delegates tasks and manages progress to ensure successful completion of department objectives. 
  • Creates and reinforces a culture of teamwork and actively resolves conflicts within the team. 
  • Manages proactively by holding regular 1on1s and team meetings to ensure open lines of communication and professional development for direct reports. 
  • Promotes adaptation and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. 
  • Acts as a change leader through team building and influence. 
  • Willingness to make difficult or unpopular decisions when warranted.
  • Oversees manufacturing incidents and investigations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), process variances and deviations.
  • Ensures completion of manufacturing change controls, CAPAs, and deviations.
  • Ensures that facilities are inspection-ready, including staff compliance with cGMP and all related elements such as documentation (standard operating procedures [SOP] and validation protocols etc.), training, reports and records. 
  • Ensures compliance with all appropriate regulatory authorities to include FDA, State of CA, ISO requirements, etc.
  • Make decisions, that will at times be difficult and/or unpopular, that support and drive the organization strategy; influences others to support the decisions. Fosters personal courage in others.
  • Ensures plans are in place to meet and exceed goals while providing motivation and inspiration.
  • Ensures results are achieved by providing resources, removing obstacles and helping others envision the end result.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What does it take to be successful?

  • Seven plus years of successful senior operations management experience in a multi-location manufacturing and distribution environment with strong experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations or related areas. 
  • Ten plus years of people management experience.
  • Proven ability to develop, implement, and lead successful strategies and tactics to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency (lean management)
  • Experience in Lean & Six Sigma methodologies a plus
  • Proven ability to build strong, effective relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders
  • Possesses leadership qualities and leads a manufacturing team in achieving results in a high-volume manufacturing environment. 
  • Possesses leadership qualities such as self-awareness, team focus, ability to translate learning into action, and train others to do so, as well as drive success. 
  • Team player/builder; good coach and able to assist people with adjusting to change. Must possess a “can-do” attitude.
  • Experienced communicator/presenter of technical information with a quality focus to internal as well as external partners.
  • Must be well organized and possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple areas of responsibility concurrently.
  • Must be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
  • Results and goal oriented; a true professional who can deliver on budget and on time.
  • Ability and desire to be proactive not just reactive; a questioning mindset.
  • A creative thinker; one who looks for new and innovative ways of doing things.
  • Ability to learn technical concepts by reading work instructions and standard operating procedures, and completing on-the-job training.
  • Knowledge of cGMP regulations ISO 13485, 21CFR Part 820, CMDR SOR/98-282, 93/42/EEC, RDC 16 2013, MHLW MO 169 and TG(MD)R Sch3 preferred.

Our Awesome Benefits!

Working for a growing innovative company like Argen means exciting opportunities for training and learning, career development and advancement from only the best in the dental industry. With all that hard work, Argen is committed to ensuring the welfare of its employees and provides an amazing benefit package that includes:

  • Health Plans
  • Dental Plans
  • Vision Plan
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Employee Events
  • Wellness Programs
  • Discounts for home, travel, entertainment, relaxation that includes Mobile phone service, Technology, Airline and Hotel, Theater/Theme Park tickets, Restaurants and so much more!
  • EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled VEVRAA Federal Contractor
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Confirmed 18 hours ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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