At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. 

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Director to lead our Owatonna Print Operations Facility

The Director of the Owatonna Print Operations will oversee all aspects of our print operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality, and timely production. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in managing teams, forecasting, manufacturing processes, and budgeting. This role requires a commanding leader who can inspire and manage a large workforce while maintaining focus on operational excellence and cost efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Oversee day-to-day operations of the Owatonna Print Operations, ensuring the production of high-quality products and accountability of staff.  Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.  Assess talent and direct a training and quality continuous improvement program.  Implement strategies for effective people management, enhancing team collaboration, engagement, and performance.  Analyze, develop, and execute forecasting and budgeting plans to meet financial objectives.  Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with safety standards and company policies.  Lead initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing resource utilization.  Partner directly with cross-functional teams within School Assessment to drive standards, outcomes, and supply chain for downstream workflows in other operations facilities.   Track and report on key operational metrics, identifying areas for improvement.  Identify and support business growth opportunities through proposal bids, contract scope changes, and extensions for customer contracts.  Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements, implementing best practices.  Support change management as the business and facility continue to evolve. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.  It is strongly desired that the candidate has a minimum of 10 years of experience in a managerial role within a print operations facility or similar environment.  Experience in managing a print or manufacturing facility, with strong operational acumen.  Expertise in people management, including team leadership and development.  Strong skills in forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.  Excellent leadership skills with the ability to command respect, inspire confidence, and increase engagement.  Exceptional problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.  Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to communicate across all levels of the organization and senior leadership teams, including active listening, negotiation, influencing, facilitation, and the ability to develop and deliver presentations.  Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, conflicting priorities; must be able to multi-task, be flexible, organized, able to prioritize, and work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment to deliver and exceed customers’ expectations.    Effectively embrace and drive change that create buy-in and are sensitive to the operational challenges of business facing teams.  Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a manufacturing environment.  Ability to implement a quality continuous improvement program.  Familiarity with print production software and technologies.