Manufacturing Unit Leader

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

The Manufacturing Unit Leader has overall responsibility for the people, processes, and production activities within a designated Manufacturing Unit and is accountable for achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives. This role leads operational execution, drives continuous improvement through BD Excellence, develops team capabilities, and fosters a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance. The Manufacturing Unit Leader is responsible for designated product lines, including setting goals, making decisions, allocating resources, and driving results while ensuring compliance with BD quality systems, policies, procedures, and all applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Coordinate and prioritize manufacturing activities to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant production performance.
• Partner with Planning to establish production schedules and monitor performance against delivery commitments.
• Translate manufacturing unit objectives into clear goals and expectations for teams and individual contributors.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address gaps and improve results.
• Resolve production, staffing, and operational issues in a timely manner to minimize disruption and maintain business continuity.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, spending more than 50% of work time supporting operations, coaching employees, and driving performance.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team aligned with BD Values.
• Establish clear performance expectations and measurable objectives for team members.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, annual performance reviews, and ongoing development discussions.
• Create and maintain individual development plans that support employee growth and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, ownership, and continuous learning.
• Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters and support workforce development initiatives.
• Ensure timely and accurate assessments of hourly associates.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Lead daily management and Tier Management System (TMS) activities to drive accountability and operational execution.
• Oversee Daily Team Maintenance (DTM) processes and support the development of standard work practices, including cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and centerline management activities.
• Support and facilitate implementation of BD Excellence tools, methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
• Lead and support change initiatives that improve operational effectiveness and help achieve both short- and long-term business objectives.

Business & Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and maintain manufacturing budgets, staffing plans, and headcount requirements.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize costs.
• Ensure resources are aligned to achieve operational goals while maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
• Support strategic planning activities and execution of manufacturing objectives.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with BD quality systems, policies, procedures, training requirements, and standard work processes.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and BD safety regulations and requirements.
• Promote a safe working environment and reinforce safe behaviors and ergonomics best practices.
• Support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business needs.
• Demonstrate a commitment to BD Values and leadership expectations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Industrial Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; OR
• Minimum of 8 years of manufacturing leadership experience and the ability to complete a bachelor's degree within 18 months of appointment.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading people in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience driving operational performance, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing production priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing manufacturing budgets, staffing plans, and workforce development initiatives.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
• Strong team-building and coaching skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality systems, and continuous improvement principles.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, waste reduction, and productivity improvement.
• Understanding of production planning, logistics, and inventory management concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business systems.
• Knowledge of workplace safety, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across functions.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, reaching, and light lifting.
• May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

• Primarily based within a manufacturing environment.
• Requires routine presence on the production floor to support operations and employee development.
• May involve exposure to manufacturing materials, chemicals, moderate noise, and other conditions requiring appropriate safety precautions.
• Occasional discomfort associated with manufacturing environments, including noise, odors, and varying temperatures, may be present.