Director of Manufacturing Operations

Location: Portage IN 1000 East Boundary Road Portage, IN 46368, USA Position Summary: Leeco Steel is a leading supplier of carbon, HSLA and alloy steels from the premier mills worldwide. Due to continued growth, Leeco is seeking a Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership for the company's warehouse, distribution and steel plate processing operations. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, customer satisfaction, operational excellence and profitable growth while ensuring efficient execution across inventory management, production planning, processing, maintenance and logistics. The Director of Operations partners cross-functionally to develop high-performing teams, optimize processes and support Leeco Steel's expanding value-added processing capabilities. This position will report to the VP of Operations and will require regular travel. Key Responsibilities Lead warehouse, distribution, and steel processing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable execution of company objectives. Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing principles, process standardization, and effective resource utilization. Oversee production planning, inventory management, maintenance programs, capital projects, and facility operations to support customer and business requirements. Monitor operational performance and implement strategies to improve productivity, quality, cost control, and service levels. Support the continued growth and optimization of Leeco Steel's value-added processing capabilities. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement. Partner with Human Resources to support workforce planning, employee relations, training, and leadership development initiatives. Ensure compliance with quality standards, ISO requirements, and customer specifications. Lead efforts to improve processing accuracy, reduce errors and claims, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure customer commitments are met safely, accurately, and on time. Assist in maintaining a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, state and federal safety regulations. Lead safety initiatives, audits, training, and continuous improvement efforts to reduce risk and improve performance. Ensure effective implementation of safety programs, including PPE, Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Communication, and other regulatory requirements. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. MBA or advanced degree a plus. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within the steel service center, metals distribution, manufacturing, or industrial processing industry. Demonstrated experience leading steel plate processing, warehouse, distribution, and production operations. Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence principles. Proven success leading multi-site operations and large operational teams. Experience managing capital projects, operational budgets, and process improvement initiatives. Knowledge of steel plate processing equipment and operations, including cutting, drilling, machining, milling, material handling, and finishing processes. Strong analytical, financial, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, leadership, coaching, and organizational development capabilities. Working knowledge of ISO quality systems and safety management programs. Benefits Leeco Steel offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Wellness Program Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Training and Development Opportunities 401k with Employer Match Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr