Director of Operations

Materials Research Furnaces (MRF) designs and manufactures specialized high-temperature thermal processing systems for scientific and industrial research in materials science, engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, nanotechnology, and related fields. Our furnaces allow precise control of temperature, atmosphere (vacuum, inert gas, reducing/oxidizing environments), and pressure to study, synthesize, and process materials under controlled high-temperature conditions. Job Summary The Director of Operations leads the day-to-day operating functions of MRF, a growing engineered-to-order manufacturer of specialized high-temperature furnace systems. Reporting to the President, this role provides leadership to manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and quality teams with functional integration of engineering and accounting stakeholders. The Director has primary accountability for delivering customer projects on time, on budget, and in accordance with the company’s quality standards. The Director owns the operating budget, resource allocation, production planning, performance measurement, risk resolution, continuous improvement, and implementation of operational technologies and tools. This position requires a hands‑on leader who can balance strategic planning with disciplined daily execution, cross‑functional collaboration, and customer‑focused problem solving. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Cross-Functional Management Drive engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and accounting managers and staff to ensure smooth, coordinated operations and delivery of customer commitments on time and on budget. Establish operating priorities, clarify ownership and accountability, and ensure departments are aligned with company goals and customer requirements. Collaborate across departments to streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimize the use of available personnel, equipment, materials, and financial resources. Resolve issues and conflicts within the operations team promptly and constructively, escalating material risks to the executive team when appropriate. Coach and develop managers and staff, reinforce performance expectations, and support a culture of accountability, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Provide strategic guidance and operating input to the executive team to support business growth, profitability, capacity planning, and organizational development. Production Planning, Project Delivery & Customer Satisfaction Manage and regularly update overall production activities, including scheduling, resource management, budget adherence, deliveries, quality control, field service, and customer satisfaction. Oversee coordinated execution of engineered-to-order furnace projects through engineering, procurement, manufacturing, testing, shipment, installation, commissioning, and service. Maintain an integrated master schedule and ensure that labor, materials, equipment, and outside services are aligned with project milestones and customer delivery dates. Monitor project cost, schedule, quality, and technical execution; identify variances early and lead corrective actions to protect delivery commitments and margins. Ensure production, testing, documentation, shipping, and field‑service activities are completed in accordance with contractual requirements and internal standards. Support timely customer communication and issue resolution, with particular attention to delivery status, quality concerns, field‑service needs, and overall customer satisfaction. Financial Management & Performance Measurement Manage and optimize the company’s operating budget and resource allocation to support delivery performance, quality, capacity, and profitability. Develop and maintain operating forecasts for staffing, capital equipment, outside services, inventory, and other operational requirements. Monitor key performance indicators and operating metrics, including on‑time delivery, on‑budget performance, schedule adherence, quality, rework, throughput, field‑service performance, and customer satisfaction. Analyze operating results and budget variances, communicate performance to the executive team, and implement corrective actions when targets are not being met. Balance near‑term project requirements with longer‑term capacity, workforce, supply‑chain, and capital‑investment needs. Operational Excellence, Systems & Technology Identify opportunities for operational improvement and implement practical strategies to enhance performance, reduce cost, shorten lead times, improve quality, and increase predictability. Lead cross‑functional process‑improvement initiatives involving engineering release, purchasing, inventory, production control, manufacturing, testing, field service, and accounting. Establish, document, and maintain effective operating procedures, standard work, planning disciplines, and management routines. Oversee the implementation and effective use of ERP/MRP systems, planning tools, dashboards, automation, and other technologies that enhance operational control and decision‑making. Promote accurate, timely operational data and ensure that managers use systems and metrics consistently to plan work, identify constraints, and manage performance. Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, suppliers, and business partners. Ensure operations comply with applicable industry regulations, safety requirements, quality standards, contractual obligations, company policies, and customer‑specific requirements. Identify and manage operational risks involving schedule, cost, quality, capacity, staffing, supply chain, technology, field service, and customer commitments. Lead the resolution of significant operational issues as they arise and implement preventive actions to reduce recurrence. Evaluate vendor and supplier performance and work with procurement and technical teams to address quality, delivery, cost, and capacity concerns. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing or operations, including at least 5 years leading managers and cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated experience in an engineered‑to‑order, project‑based, low‑volume/high‑mix, or custom capital‑equipment manufacturing environment. Experience leading integrated engineering, procurement, manufacturing, production planning, quality, field‑service, and financial activities. Strong knowledge of operating budgets, project cost control, resource allocation, forecasting, and margin management. Experience with production planning, scheduling, material management, capacity planning, and delivery execution. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, operational reporting, KPI dashboards, and data‑driven performance management. Demonstrated success implementing continuous‑improvement initiatives and resolving complex operational problems. Strong customer, supplier, negotiation, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions with incomplete information. Ability to work primarily onsite and travel periodically to customer sites or supplier locations Preferred Qualifications Experience with industrial furnaces, vacuum systems, thermal‑processing equipment, pressure systems, or other complex industrial machinery. Experience with Acumatica or a comparable manufacturing ERP platform. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing or similar operational‑improvement methods. Experience supporting formal quality‑management systems and regulated or customer‑controlled manufacturing environments. Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, warranty, and field‑service operations. Experience serving advanced‑materials, aerospace, defense, energy, research, or other technically demanding customers. Operations leadership and organizational accountability Production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation Budget management, cost control, and margin performance KPI management and data‑driven decision‑making Continuous improvement and process standardization ERP/MRP systems and operational technology implementation Risk management, issue resolution, and change leadership Customer, supplier, and stakeholder relationship management Cross‑functional communication, coaching, and conflict resolution Quality, safety, compliance, and attention to detail Discretion and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive company information Reporting Structure Reports to: President Functionally leads: Supply Chain Management and Procurement and Staff Manufacturing, Production Control, Quality, and Field‑Service Management and Staff Inventory Management and Staff Works closely with: Executive Leadership and Department Managers Engineering Management and Staff Sales, Applications Development, and Program/Project Management Accounting Management and Staff Customers, Suppliers, Subcontractors, and Service Partners IT/ERP, Compliance, and External Professional Advisors Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Profit‑sharing opportunity based on company and individual performance. Full benefits offered: medical, prescription, vision, dental, life, short‑ and long‑term disability, health savings account, employee and family assistance, education assistance, 401(k) plan, PTO, and holidays. #J-18808-Ljbffr