Director of Operations (, NM, United States)

Pacific International has been retained by a global leader in advanced motion control and precision manufacturing solutions, serving some of the world's leading automotive and industrial companies through a complex, high-performance manufacturing network.

Known for its engineering excellence, global footprint, and commitment to operational innovation, the organization is entering a critical phase of operational transformation. As the business continues to support growing customer demand and evolving industry expectations, there is an increasing focus on strengthening safety performance, improving quality outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and developing the next generation of manufacturing leadership.

As part of this effort, the organization is seeking a Director of Operations to lead a strategically important manufacturing campus in Northern Mexico. This is a highly visible leadership role with full responsibility for plant performance across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, planning, logistics, and environmental health & safety.

This position sits at the intersection of operational strategy and execution. It requires a hands‑on leader who can drive meaningful cultural change, build accountability throughout the organization, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across a complex manufacturing environment. Unlike traditional plant leadership roles focused solely on maintaining performance, this opportunity is centered on transformation, capability building, and long‑term operational excellence.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing operation, engage directly with senior executive leadership, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future performance of a critical business within a global industrial organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for a large‑scale manufacturing operation, driving a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence
• Lead all aspects of plant performance, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, planning, logistics, and EHS
• Own operational and financial performance, including productivity, cost management, inventory optimization, capital planning, and profitability
• Champion a world‑class safety culture, driving improvements in incident rates, lost‑time performance, and overall employee engagement
• Lead quality transformation initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving customer performance, and strengthening operational discipline
• Develop and execute operational strategies, annual business plans, and KPI improvement roadmaps aligned to broader organizational objectives
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve OEE, productivity, throughput, and process capability
• Partner closely with engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams to optimize operations and meet customer demand requirements
• Build, coach, and develop a high‑performing leadership team while creating strong succession plans throughout the organization
• Drive organizational change initiatives and implement best practices that improve long‑term operational performance
• Lead automation, process improvement, and operational modernization efforts to support future growth and competitiveness
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics across safety, quality, productivity, delivery, inventory, and cost performance

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 10–15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including significant plant leadership responsibility within a complex production environment
• Experience within automotive manufacturing, ideally in a Tier 1 supplier organization
• Strong engineering background, with a Bachelor's degree required and an MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Proven track record leading plant turnarounds, operational transformations, or significant performance improvement initiatives
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience leading large manufacturing teams and developing high‑performing operational leaders
• Strong understanding of safety systems, quality management, production planning, supply chain operations, and operational performance metrics
• Demonstrated success managing P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment planning
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization
• Experience building accountability, driving cultural change, and implementing sustainable operational improvements
• Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency required
• Highly collaborative, people‑oriented leader capable of balancing operational rigor with employee development and engagement

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high‑growth enterprises in building exceptional C‑suite, senior‑level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward‑thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever‑evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C‑suite and mid‑to‑senior‑level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.