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Job description
At Factory Advisors, we partner with industrial and manufacturing organizations to transform operations, unlock sustainable growth, and achieve measurable business outcomes. We don't just consult—we embed with our clients, lead change, and deliver lasting results.
As part of the integrated Factory Transformation organization, combining Factory Advisors and GrayMatter, we help manufacturers connect operational excellence, digital technologies, and workforce enablement into one transformation strategy.
Our differentiated approach combines:
Operational Transformation to optimize people, processes, and performance
Digital Transformation to create visibility through systems, data, automation, and analytics
Approachable AI to deliver actionable intelligence directly to frontline teams
Together, these capabilities help manufacturers close the gap between strategy and execution.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a seasoned Managing Director to lead strategic manufacturing transformation initiatives at the intersection of operational excellence, business strategy, and execution.
This role is ideal for a consulting leader with deep manufacturing expertise who can serve as both trusted advisor and business builder. You will help clients solve complex operational challenges while partnering across the broader Factory Transformation organization to integrate Digital Transformation and Approachable AI solutions where they create additional value.
From business development and executive engagement through delivery leadership and firm building, you will own the full client lifecycle while helping shape the future of our Operational Transformation practice.
This role requires up to 75% travel.
What You'll Do
Business Development
Serve as both strategist and operator—originating and closing Operational Transformation opportunities while guiding the full lifecycle of client relationships
Develop trusted advisor relationships with executive leadership across manufacturing organizations
Generate and qualify leads, develop proposals, craft Statements of Work, and negotiate contracts with senior decision-makers
Design and execute go-to-market strategies focused on operational excellence, manufacturing transformation, supply chain performance, leadership development, and business performance
Expand existing accounts by identifying opportunities to integrate Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI capabilities
Collaborate across Factory Transformation to bring the full complement of services to address client needs
Own and manage sales and opportunity pipeline while meeting revenue and margin objectives
Build market credibility through thought leadership in manufacturing strategy, Lean, operational excellence, leadership systems, and business transformation
Stay ahead of emerging manufacturing technologies and operational trends, translating them into actionable client strategies
Case Management
Own revenue targets and manage profitability across an Operational Transformation portfolio
Lead multidisciplinary consulting teams delivering complex transformation engagements
Serve as executive sponsor and engagement leader—scoping, staffing, and ensuring high-quality delivery
Facilitate executive strategy sessions with C-suite and operational leaders to define transformation roadmaps and business priorities
Translate complex operational challenges into scalable improvement strategies and measurable business results
Lead initiatives across manufacturing operations, Lean transformation, quality, supply chain, maintenance, leadership systems, and organizational effectiveness
Partner with Digital Transformation leaders to integrate technology-enabled solutions where appropriate
Leverage Approachable AI solutions to ensure operational knowledge and performance improvements are sustained at the point of work
Build long-term client partnerships by consistently delivering measurable value and trusted advisory services
Firm Building
Help define and scale the Operational Transformation practice within Factory Transformation
Reinforce and champion the firm's integrated approach of combining operational excellence, digital enablement, and workforce capability
Build and mentor a high-performing consulting team
Develop reusable methodologies, tools, playbooks, and intellectual property that integrate:
Operational Excellence
Lean Transformation
Leadership Systems
Digital Enablement
Approachable AI
Partner with GrayMatter and Factory Advisors leadership to align offerings, delivery models, and innovation initiatives
Lead firm initiatives including recruiting, capability development, strategic planning, and internal mentoring
Support internal training to ensure consulting teams understand and can effectively position Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI as complementary capabilities
Help shape the future growth, culture, and strategy of Factory Transformation
About Us
At Factory Advisors, we partner with industrial and manufacturing organizations to transform operations, unlock sustainable growth, and achieve measurable business outcomes. We don't just consult—we embed with our clients, lead change, and deliver lasting results.
As part of the integrated Factory Transformation organization, combining Factory Advisors and GrayMatter, we help manufacturers connect operational excellence, digital technologies, and workforce enablement into one transformation strategy.
Our differentiated approach combines:
Operational Transformation to optimize people, processes, and performance
Digital Transformation to create visibility through systems, data, automation, and analytics
Approachable AI to deliver actionable intelligence directly to frontline teams
Together, these capabilities help manufacturers close the gap between strategy and execution.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a seasoned Managing Director to lead strategic manufacturing transformation initiatives at the intersection of operational excellence, business strategy, and execution.
This role is ideal for a consulting leader with deep manufacturing expertise who can serve as both trusted advisor and business builder. You will help clients solve complex operational challenges while partnering across the broader Factory Transformation organization to integrate Digital Transformation and Approachable AI solutions where they create additional value.
From business development and executive engagement through delivery leadership and firm building, you will own the full client lifecycle while helping shape the future of our Operational Transformation practice.
This role requires up to 75% travel.
What You'll Do
Business Development
Serve as both strategist and operator—originating and closing Operational Transformation opportunities while guiding the full lifecycle of client relationships
Develop trusted advisor relationships with executive leadership across manufacturing organizations
Generate and qualify leads, develop proposals, craft Statements of Work, and negotiate contracts with senior decision-makers
Design and execute go-to-market strategies focused on operational excellence, manufacturing transformation, supply chain performance, leadership development, and business performance
Expand existing accounts by identifying opportunities to integrate Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI capabilities
Collaborate across Factory Transformation to bring the full complement of services to address client needs
Own and manage sales and opportunity pipeline while meeting revenue and margin objectives
Build market credibility through thought leadership in manufacturing strategy, Lean, operational excellence, leadership systems, and business transformation
Stay ahead of emerging manufacturing technologies and operational trends, translating them into actionable client strategies
Case Management
Own revenue targets and manage profitability across an Operational Transformation portfolio
Lead multidisciplinary consulting teams delivering complex transformation engagements
Serve as executive sponsor and engagement leader—scoping, staffing, and ensuring high-quality delivery
Facilitate executive strategy sessions with C-suite and operational leaders to define transformation roadmaps and business priorities
Translate complex operational challenges into scalable improvement strategies and measurable business results
Lead initiatives across manufacturing operations, Lean transformation, quality, supply chain, maintenance, leadership systems, and organizational effectiveness
Partner with Digital Transformation leaders to integrate technology-enabled solutions where appropriate
Leverage Approachable AI solutions to ensure operational knowledge and performance improvements are sustained at the point of work
Build long-term client partnerships by consistently delivering measurable value and trusted advisory services
Firm Building
Help define and scale the Operational Transformation practice within Factory Transformation
Reinforce and champion the firm's integrated approach of combining operational excellence, digital enablement, and workforce capability
Build and mentor a high-performing consulting team
Develop reusable methodologies, tools, playbooks, and intellectual property that integrate:
Operational Excellence
Lean Transformation
Leadership Systems
Digital Enablement
Approachable AI
Partner with GrayMatter and Factory Advisors leadership to align offerings, delivery models, and innovation initiatives
Lead firm initiatives including recruiting, capability development, strategic planning, and internal mentoring
Support internal training to ensure consulting teams understand and can effectively position Operational Transformation, Digital Transformation, and Approachable AI as complementary capabilities
Help shape the future growth, culture, and strategy of Factory Transformation
Requirements
What You'll Bring
Executive-level manufacturing leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, multi-site operations, large-scale business transformation, and enterprise performance improvement
15+ years in Director-level leadership roles with multi-site accountability, or 5+ years in a Vice President (or equivalent) role with enterprise-wide operational responsibility
Deep expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Factory Operations, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or Quality Engineering
Proven success building, developing, and leading high-performing teams while coaching senior leaders and creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
Demonstrated experience in management consulting, operational transformation, or professional services, serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams
A successful track record of generating and growing business through net-new client acquisition, strategic account expansion, and executive relationship management
Recognized expertise in Lean Manufacturing, the Toyota Production System, Continuous Improvement, and manufacturing performance transformation
Strong understanding of Digital Transformation technologies and their role in enabling operational excellence, including connected worker solutions, manufacturing systems, AI-enabled tools, analytics, and smart factory initiatives
Proven ability to translate operational strategy into executable roadmaps that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement
Experience leading complex, enterprise-wide transformation initiatives—from strategy development and executive alignment through implementation, sustainment, and change adoption
Executive presence with the ability to influence and build credibility at every level of an organization—from frontline operators to C-suite executives and private equity stakeholders
Exceptional leadership in project execution, facilitation, organizational change management, and cross-functional stakeholder alignment within complex manufacturing environments
Outstanding communication, executive presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to simplify complex operational challenges into actionable business strategies
Bachelor’s degree required
Eligible to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or other advanced business or engineering degree
Experience in Aerospace & Defense or other regulated manufacturing industries
Experience integrating digital manufacturing technologies into operational improvement initiatives, including familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and Connected Worker strategies
Benefits
Pay-for-performance bonus structure aligned with individual and firm-wide success
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Worksite address
detroit, MI, 48228, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.