Director of Operations

Position Summary DeWys Metal Solutions is a people-first, family-owned contract manufacturer where real people are doing big things. The company reinvests a significant percentage of its profits into leadership development, innovation, capital equipment, and its workforce. Serving blue-chip customers across uniquely diverse industries, none of it automotive, DeWys has built a reputation that consistently impresses customers, employees, and industry partners alike. The business is financially strong, growth-oriented, and grounded by a strategic planning process that is both active and collaborative, built from the top down and the bottom up. Lean manufacturing, innovation, workforce development, and strong community partnerships are not buzzwords here, they are the foundation of how the company operates. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, this is an opportunity to join a manufacturing organization that is investing aggressively in its future while remaining deeply committed to its people and culture. The Director of Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations ensuring safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and operational performance objectives are consistently achieved. This role serves as the operational integrator between strategic leadership and production execution, translating business priorities into disciplined operational practices that drive measurable results. The Director of Operations will champion operational excellence through lean manufacturing principles, cross-functional collaboration, workforce development, and scalable systems that support the company’s continued growth. This individual will lead a high-performing production and facilities team while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, teamwork, innovation and Human-Centered Leadership. This role requires a visible, hands‑on leader who can balance urgency with long‑term thinking, support people while holding high standards, and create operational stability in a fast‑paced, high‑mix manufacturing environment. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in building the next chapter of DeWys Metal Solutions by strengthening operational performance while preserving the culture and values that make the organization unique. Why DeWys At DeWys Metal Solutions, we believe that our people are our most valuable asset. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, continuous learning, innovation, and employee growth. As we continue expanding, we need a Director of Operations who can lead with both urgency and empathy, someone capable of driving operational excellence while building trust, stability, and engagement across the organization. If you thrive on both developing high-performing teams and creating scalable manufacturing systems that deliver results, we invite you to be part of our journey! Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Operational Execution Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the company’s strategic plan, growth objectives, and customer commitments. Translate organizational priorities into disciplined operational execution with clear accountability, measurable outcomes, and sustainable systems. Foster alignment across production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, workforce development and support functions to ensure coordinated execution and operational stability. Lead day-to-day manufacturing and maintenance operations with a focus on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability. Resource Management & Operational Efficiency Efficiently manage labor, production equipment, materials, floor capacity, and operational budgets to maximize throughput, efficiency, and profitability. Drive workforce utilization strategies that balance human centered leader design, customer demand, operational capacity, and sustainability. Ensure operational resources and systems are scalable to support continued organizational growth. Utilize operational data and reporting to improve labor efficiency, machine utilization, scheduling effectiveness, and overall operational performance. Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction Partner with Quality leadership to strengthen accountability, containment processes, corrective actions, and root cause analysis efforts. Foster a culture where quality ownership exists at every level of the organization. Support customer satisfaction initiatives through operational excellence and responsiveness. Production Planning, Scheduling & Capacity Management Collaborate with production scheduling, oversee production workflow coordination, and participate in capacity planning to ensure on-time delivery performance while minimizing waste, bottlenecks, and excess inventory. Proactively identify operational risks, constraints, and shifting priorities to maintain production continuity and customer commitments. Build systems and processes that improve agility within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Champion Lean manufacturing principles, operational discipline, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. Collaborate with Innovation to identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, and cost reduction while maintaining safety and quality standards. Lead operational improvement initiatives through collaboration, employee engagement, and measurable performance outcomes. Encourage problem-solving behaviors and accountability at all levels of the organization. Manage operational budgets while controlling costs and supporting long-term financial sustainability. Maintain accountability for operational performance and profitability. Safety, Compliance & Operational Accountability Ensure manufacturing operations comply with all applicable safety regulations, environmental requirements, and industry best practices. Reinforce a culture where safety is viewed as a core operational value and leadership responsibility. Maintain operational discipline through visibility on the shop floor, direct engagement with teams, and proactive issue resolution. Hold leaders and team members accountable to operational standards, workplace expectations, and behavioral consistency. Human Centered Leadership, Team Development & Culture Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and operational team members while fostering a culture grounded in accountability, teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. Support workforce development initiatives, training programs, succession planning, and leadership development efforts. Serve as a visible and engaged leader who is present on the shop floor and approachable to team members at all levels. Model Human-Centered Leadership behaviors through transparent communication, coaching, accountability, and respect for others. Be a steward of our ACCT core values. Key Performance Metrics Develop, monitor, and communicate operational KPIs related to safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, delivery, labor utilization, and profitability. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Requirements Knowledge & Skills Proven experience in manufacturing operations, with a track record of increasing responsibilities in a sheet metal fabrication or contract manufacturing environment. Strong leadership and people management skills. Comprehensive knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes, quality control, and safety regulations. Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities. Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in data analysis and the use of manufacturing software and ERP systems. Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications are advantageous. Knowledge of sustainability and green manufacturing practices is beneficial. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, Operations Management). A Master's degree or MBA is a plus. Experience 5 or more years of experience leading in manufacturing, preferably metal fabrication; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Leadership & Cultural Fit Ability to drive throughput and meet customer demand while maintaining safety and quality as priority. Servant leader who leads by example, treats every team member with respect, and creates an environment of psychological safety and accountability. Comfortable operating with a high degree of transparency and regular communication across functional Leadership and Executive Teams. Grounded, self-aware, and resilient under pressure, with the humility to ask for help and the confidence to make tough calls. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the team members regularly communicate with team members, shop floor team members, and occasionally with customers. This position requires frequent standing and walking on the shop floor. The team member is required to work on a computer terminal daily. Occasionally may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment includes both office and manufacturing floor settings. While on the manufacturing floor, the team member may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and loud noise levels. Appropriate PPE is required in designated areas. Benefits Competitive comprehensive compensation and benefits package with base salary and performance bonus 401K with matching contributions Vacation Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision) #J-18808-Ljbffr