Director of Manufacturing Operations

Director of Manufacturing OperationsEstablished Metals ManufacturerOn-Site | Full-Time | Leadership RoleAbout the OpportunityOur client is a multi-generational, family-owned metal plating and finishing company with over 50 years of operating history. Known for reliability, technical capability, and long-standing customer partnerships, this organization serves electrical and industrial manufacturing clients in a complex, 24/7 production environment.The business has built a reputation on trust, quality, and consistency. Now, it is entering its next phase of evolution.We are seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to stabilize, professionalize, and re-accelerate performance — while preserving the culture and customer loyalty that has defined the company for decades.This is not just a plant leadership role. It is an opportunity to run and shape a business with full ownership mindset — aligning people, process, and profitability in a legacy manufacturing environment.The RoleThe Director of Manufacturing Operations will serve as the senior operational leader of the facility, overseeing production, workforce management, financial performance, and customer execution.This leader will bring structure, accountability, and commercial discipline while earning the trust of a tenured, close-knit team.Success in this role means:Improving throughput and lead timesStrengthening operational reliabilityBuilding a healthy, accountable cultureEnhancing customer confidence and experienceKey Responsibilities:Operational & Production LeadershipLead 24/7 plating operations across multiple production lines (rack, barrel, high-mix jobs)Improve throughput, reduce lead times, and increase scheduling clarityDrive equipment uptime through preventative maintenance and ownership clarityImprove coordination between quoting, scheduling, production, and customer communicationMaintain strict quality, safety, and compliance standardsFinancial & Commercial AccountabilityOwn plant-level P&L performanceDiagnose job-level profitability by customer, line, and job typeImplement pricing discipline and surcharge mechanisms aligned with raw material volatilityEvaluate labor efficiency, overtime usage, and workforce strategyIntroduce clear financial dashboards connecting production metrics to margin performancePartner with ownership on working capital and capital allocation decisionsCulture & LeadershipClarify roles, decision rights, and accountability across teamsBuild trust while setting firm expectationsCreate visible operational wins and improve moraleAddress performance issues respectfully but decisivelyStabilize and retain key technical and leadership personnelLead through influence — earning buy-in before driving changeWhat We're Looking For:Required ExperienceSenior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or process-driven environmentsExperience in metal-based, industrial, chemical, or production-heavy settingsProven success stabilizing or turning around underperforming operationsExperience managing hourly, multi-shift workforcesStrong P&L ownership and cost management backgroundDemonstrated ability to balance people leadership with operational accountabilityPreferred BackgroundMetal finishing, plating, or surface treatmentMetal stamping, machining, fabrication, or industrial coatingsPrivately held or family-owned manufacturing businessesEnvironments with cost volatility and high customer responsiveness demandsCore TraitsCalm, confident authorityStrong listener who processes complexity before actingSystems thinker who simplifies chaos into prioritiesBuilder of trust and cultureCommercially intuitive and customer-centricComfortable making tough decisions with empathyWhy This Role Is CompellingJoin a stable, 50+ year-old, family-owned manufacturerLead a respected operation with deep customer loyaltyHigh visibility and influence with ownershipOpportunity to shape the next chapter of the businessTrue operational ownership — not just maintenance leadershipStrong long-term growth potentialCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary (commensurate with experience)Performance-based incentive structureComprehensive benefits packageHealth, dental, vision coverageRetirement planPaid time offLong-term leadership opportunity within a stable organization Prevail Recruiting