Director of Operations

Director Of OperationsCentennial is partnering with a privately held automotive manufacturing company located in Madison, IN for a Director of Operations who is a mission-critical enterprise leader responsible for driving operational excellence, manufacturing performance, and organizational alignment across all facilities. The Director of Operations will ensure the company's quality system is rigorously upheld, champions continuous improvement, and develops high-performing leaders who can scale the business.This role is ideal for a strategic operator who thrives in complex manufacturing environments, brings discipline and rigor to execution, and elevates performance through strong leadership, communication, and accountability.ResponsibilitiesShape and execute long- and short-range operational strategies, policies, and performance objectives.Translate customer demand into a disciplined, high-performing manufacturing plan that strengthens quality, reliability, and safety.Lead and mentor Plant and General Managers to achieve operational goals, drive consistency, and uphold enterprise standards.Establish and enforce productivity, quality, and safety requirements aligned with regulatory standards and industry best practices.Champion company-wide quality initiatives and ensure full conformance to the corporate quality system.Identify and implement improvements that enhance productivity, reduce cost and scrap, and elevate operational performance.Serve as the executive conduit between plant leadership and senior management, ensuring clarity of direction, expectations, and priorities.Strengthen collaboration across functional groups to support material flow, inventory targets, and manufacturing readiness.Drive initiatives that position the company for customer satisfaction awards in cost, delivery, and quality.Build a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.Develop leaders capable of managing complex operations and fostering high-performance teams.Model constructive communication and strong relationship-building across all levels of the organization.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or equivalent experience preferred.7–10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing management or engineering.Strong working knowledge of the Toyota Production System (TPS).Deep expertise in manufacturing systems, processes, and materials.Proven project management capability.Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire teams.Ability to operate independently and make sound, data-driven decisions.Executive presence with the ability to lead meetings and influence outcomes. Centennial Talent Strategy & Executive Search