Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager - Knoxville, TN

DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Manufacturing Manager to join their team. This organization focuses on advanced cooling technologies that help customers improve performance and efficiency across a range of industries. The Manufacturing Manager oversees all production operations for a fast-growing startup in the HVAC equipment industry, specializing in complex, repeatable machinery builds. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is excited to scale operations alongside company growth. This position is responsible for building scalable processes, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring consistent product quality and on-time delivery. A critical component of this role is ownership and optimization of production and inventory control processes within the NetSuite ERP system to support rapid expansion.

 

What it's like to work here:

The company is values-driven and focused on delivering cutting-edge cooling solutions through innovation, precision, and collaboration. Team members operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where they are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and continuously improve processes. You’ll join a growing, team-oriented organization that emphasizes both professional development and measurable results while maintaining an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture.

What you'll get to do:

Plan, schedule, and oversee daily manufacturing operations to meet increasing customer demand

Actively support production on the floor, troubleshooting issues and driving real-time problem solving

Design and implement scalable workflows, staffing plans, and production processes to support rapid growth

Monitor and improve key metrics such as throughput, lead time, capacity utilization, and on-time delivery

Lead the ongoing development and optimization of NetSuite to support scaling manufacturing operations

Ensure accurate and scalable setup of Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, work orders, and inventory processes

Implement MRP-driven planning and improve forecasting and scheduling capabilities within NetSuite

Establish standardized procedures and data governance to maintain system integrity during growth

Partner with leadership and external consultants to expand ERP functionality as needed

Train and onboard new employees in NetSuite processes and best practices

Build and refine inventory control processes that scale with growth

Ensure material availability while balancing working capital and minimizing excess inventory

Strengthen supplier coordination and develop systems to support increasing purchasing complexity

Implement cycle counting and inventory accuracy programs early to establish strong operational discipline

Establish and maintain quality standards as production volume increases

Identify inefficiencies and implement scalable, repeatable improvements

Introduce lean manufacturing principles appropriate for a growing startup environment

Lead, mentor, and grow a small but expanding production team

Help define organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities as the company scales

Foster a culture of accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement

Support hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members

Build and reinforce a strong safety culture from early stages of growth

Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and HVAC-related regulations

What will make you successful:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in HVAC, mechanical systems, or similar industries

Direct experience working with NetSuite ERP in a manufacturing environment

Experience in a startup or high-growth environment strongly preferred

Strong working knowledge of NetSuite manufacturing modules (work orders, assemblies, inventory, MRP)

Proven ability to build and scale processes in a growing organization

Comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution

Solid understanding of production scheduling, BOM structures, and inventory control

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments

Effective communicator and team leader