Director of Operations

Job Overview

The Director of Operations will lead all aspects of manufacturing plant operations, ensuring excellence in EHS, compliance, quality, delivery, customer experience (ECE), and cost control. This role drives safety, productivity, profitability, materials management, talent development, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve world-class operational performance.

Job Requirements

• Lead Plant Operations: Oversee a facility with ~4,500 employees (direct, indirect, and salaried), ensuring adherence to company policies and plant procedures. Deliver high standards in safety, quality, customer service, efficiency, and profitability while maintaining costs within budget.
• Set Strategic Objectives: Define and implement plant goals aligned with Continuous Improvement principles and company values.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Coordinate all plant functions, including Manufacturing, Engineering, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, OpEx, HR, and Finance.
• Safety & Quality Leadership: Promote a “Safety First” culture to achieve Zero Incident workplace standards. Ensure robust Quality Management System (QMS) processes and structured problem-solving for zero-defect performance and accelerated NPI execution.
• Talent Development: Mentor and develop the plant leadership team, fostering high engagement, succession planning, and a strong talent pipeline.
• Customer Experience: Build a culture focused on exceeding customer expectations and delivering extraordinary customer experiences.
• Compliance & Ethics: Ensure strict adherence to ethics policies and regulatory requirements.
• Performance Management: Monitor operational results against objectives, implement controls, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communication & Collaboration: Establish effective communication systems across all levels and departments. Maintain strong interfaces with business unit functions to align technical direction and customer needs.
• Labor Relations: Administer collective bargaining agreements effectively.

What your background should look like

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operational Excellence, or related functions.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Advanced knowledge of manufacturing technologies (automation/manual assembly, stamping, molding, testing).
  • Strong understanding of engineering, NPI, materials management, logistics, purchasing, quality assurance, and EHS systems.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to build high-performance teams, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive organizational change.
• Business Acumen: Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management, and EHS processes.

Preferred Attributes

• Demonstrated success in fostering a zero-incident safety culture.
• Ability to inspire and engage teams toward operational excellence and customer-centricity.
• Strong collaborative mindset with accountability for results.