Director of Operations

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Search has been retained by Owens Industries to identify a Director of Operations (Manufacturing) to join their leadership team at their headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Owens Industries is a highly specialized precision machining company serving aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, optics, and other mission-critical industries. Since 1944, the company has built a reputation for manufacturing complex, ultra-tight tolerance components that many machine shops cannot produce. The Director of Operations (Operations) will play a critical role in the success of the organization by leading manufacturing operations, production planning, scheduling, engineering coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is ideal for a hands-on operational leader who enjoys driving performance, developing teams, implementing process improvements, and making a meaningful impact within a growing precision manufacturing environment. You can learn more here: What You'll Do: Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations within Owens Industries' precision machining facility. Oversee production planning, scheduling, workflow management, and operational execution. Ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer delivery commitments are consistently achieved. Manage and develop a team of approximately 30 employees, including direct and indirect reports across manufacturing and engineering functions. Foster strong communication and collaboration between production, engineering, quality, and leadership teams. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, efficiency, and throughput. Utilize operational data and reporting tools to support decision-making and performance management. Monitor key operational metrics and implement corrective actions as needed. Support manufacturing engineering efforts, process improvements, and workflow optimization. Lead capacity planning and resource allocation activities to support business growth. Champion a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence. Ensure compliance with customer requirements and industry quality standards, including AS9100 and other applicable certifications. Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic operational initiatives. Support employee development, succession planning, and organizational growth initiatives. Maintain accountability for understanding, following, and implementing company policies, procedures, and operational standards. What You'll Need: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred. 7+ years of manufacturing operations leadership experience within precision machining or advanced manufacturing environments. Experience leading production, scheduling, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement activities. Proven success managing teams and driving operational performance in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of CNC machining, precision manufacturing processes, and quality systems. Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems and production data to drive operational decisions; JobBOSS experience is a plus. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred. Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and team development skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while maintaining a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. Self-motivated leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr