Manager, Manufacturing Systems & Digital Operations

We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified 

Location: ​Libertyville​
Department: ​Information Technology 

Summary:

Join our Global IT Organization and help shape the future through digital innovation, data, and AI. We are looking for a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Manager, Manufacturing Systems & Digital Operations. In this pivotal role, you will accelerate our multi-year digital transformation journey, driving business change through cutting-edge MES solutions and Digital Factory initiatives. You will lead efforts to explore and implement advanced technologies, including real-time predictive analytics and AI, to unlock new levels of efficiency, intelligence, and agility across our manufacturing operations.

The Manager, Manufacturing Systems & Digital Operations, oversees daily manufacturing technology operations, optimization, and digital transformation efforts, including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), labeling solutions, and plant digitalization projects. This person leads a team of application specialists and collaborates with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and IT to develop robust, compliant, and innovative solutions that enhance operational excellence and business value. The role is key in supporting Hollister’s digital manufacturing strategy, ensuring systems are dependable, secure, and compliant with regulatory and business standards.

This role can be located in Libertyville, IL or Stuarts Draft, VA.  Hollister Incorporated operates in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership & Development Lead and support the Manufacturing Systems team, focusing on performance management and professional growth. Ensure staff are trained in MES, labeling, and digital manufacturing technologies and best practices. Supervise the design, configuration, testing, deployment, documentation, and training for manufacturing systems (MES, labeling, plant maintenance, etc.).
2. Cross-Functional Partnership Collaborate with project managers, manufacturing leaders, and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated digital solutions. Support smooth transition and change management for all project-related activities within designated areas. Partner with IT Finance and Strategic Sourcing for procurement and vendor management, ensuring compliance and value delivery.
3. Technology & Process Optimization Stay up to date with emerging industry trends in MES, labeling, IIoT, and digital manufacturing. Develop and implement new capabilities to address changing business and regulatory requirements. Oversee system upgrades, integrations, and process improvements to boost manufacturing functionality and efficiency.
4. Budget & Resource Management Manage budgets for personnel, services, and technology investments related to manufacturing systems.
5. Metrics, KPIs & Compliance Define and monitor key performance indicators for manufacturing systems and digital operations. Participate in management reviews and document key processes for compliance and continuous improvement. Ensure all manufacturing applications and integrations comply with medical device industry standards (FDA, GMP, ISO:13485) and validation practices.
6. Technical Support & System Reliability Monitor and support manufacturing system performance to ensure reliability, efficiency, and compliance. Troubleshoot issues and resolve problems to reduce downtime and keep production running smoothly. Stay aware of the system lifecycle and suggest upgrades or replacements as necessary. Maintain security, protection, and optimal performance of manufacturing systems.
7. Disaster Recovery & Validation Develop, design, and execute disaster recovery planning and testing for manufacturing systems. Lead validation activities to ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance.

Requirements”

• Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing systems, MES, labeling, or related technology platforms.
• Minimum 2 years (preferably 4 years) in a leadership role managing technical teams.
• BS in Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent business experience considered.
  • MBA or advanced degree desirable.

Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge:

• Fluency in English required.
• Proven leadership skills to motivate teams and drive high performance.
• Advanced knowledge of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) - preferably Critical Manufacturing, labeling platforms, and plant maintenance applications.
• Experience with SAP ERP (ECC, S4/HANA), WMS, EDI, and integration of manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with IIoT, smart factory technologies, and automation tools such as RPA and Tricentis.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory compliance (FDA, GMP, ISO:13485) and validation practices for medical device manufacturing.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting, process optimization, and KPI management.
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, Power BI, Visio, and MS Word.
• Experience with IT asset configuration management, infrastructure lifecycle, and cybersecurity principles.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain repeatable processes.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, capable of addressing manufacturing and system-related issues.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements.
• Willing to work flexible hours and travel as needed for plant support and project delivery.
• Experience with labor management modules and monitoring operator certifications is a plus.

Essential Functions of the Role:

• Communicate with suppliers, Associates, and plant personnel.
• Address manufacturing and system-related concerns.
• Remain abreast of relevant technological advancements and regulatory environment.
• Travel to manufacturing sites as needed.

#LI-Hybrid

Our Total Rewards package in aggregate is above market and includes competitive pay, paid time off programs, peer-to-peer recognition, health and life insurance, wellness programs and incentives, and generous retirement savings.

• The anticipated base pay range for this position is $120,000 - $172,000 yearly. The actual salary varies based on applicant's location, education, experience, skills, abilities, and other legitimate business factors.​
• This position is also eligible to participate in the Hollister Corporate Bonus Plan.
• The Company’s health and welfare benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, spending/savings accounts, disability, company paid (parental and caregiver) leaves, statutory leaves/disability programs, accident, life, wellbeing, education assistance, adoption assistance, and voluntary benefit programs. ​
• The Company’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan includes: auto-enrollment, ROTH, vesting and eligible participants “safe harbor” matching contributions. ​
• The Company’s paid time off benefits include: 11 paid holidays, paid vacation based on length of service and exempt/non-exempt status, and sick days based on statutory requirements and/or exempt/non-exempt status. ​
• The Company’s additional benefits include: education assistance and adoption assistance benefit programs. 

About Hollister Incorporated
Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee-owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings.

EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job Req ID: 35397