Director of Operations

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead operational transformation within a manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on stabilizing operations, improving performance, and building sustainable systems that drive long-term operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished manufacturing leader with a proven track record of leading operational turnarounds, developing high-performing teams, and implementing management systems that improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance. This role requires a visible, floor-oriented leader who partners closely with supervisors and frontline employees to identify root causes, remove barriers, and deliver measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and operational performance.
• Evaluate current operations, identify performance gaps, and develop strategies to improve efficiency and operational stability.
• Build a culture of accountability through consistent leadership, coaching, and performance management.
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor to support teams, resolve operational challenges, and reinforce operational standards.
• Establish sustainable operating practices that deliver long-term improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead operational improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement and maintain daily management systems, including performance metrics, visual management, action tracking, and escalation processes.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action activities to eliminate recurring operational issues.
• Standardize processes and improve workflow efficiency across manufacturing operations.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage operational budgets and monitor key cost drivers, including labor efficiency, scrap, overtime, inventory, maintenance, and production costs.
• Develop business cases and prioritize capital improvement opportunities that support operational objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions to achieve operational goals.
• Analyze operational data to support informed business decisions and improve plant performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, planning, finance, and human resources to improve overall operational performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives that support production goals and organizational objectives.
• Foster strong communication between departments to improve execution and operational alignment.
• Support strategic planning and long-term operational initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and operational leaders.
• Build high-performing teams through accountability, training, and continuous development.
• Create an environment focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Lead organizational change initiatives while maintaining strong employee communication and support.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, financial performance, and people leadership.
• Proven success leading operational turnaround, transformation, or performance improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience implementing Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience establishing daily management systems, visual performance metrics, and operational accountability processes.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage employees at all organizational levels.

Preferred

• Experience within precision manufacturing, engineered products, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, energy, industrial manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, cost analysis, capital planning, and operational forecasting.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams within matrix organizations.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Operations Management.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications.