Director of Operations

A well-established and growing industrial manufacturer is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead a multi-department manufacturing operation. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence across production, quality, safety, continuous improvement, maintenance, logistics, and materials while developing a high-performing leadership team. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment and has a proven ability to improve operational performance through Lean manufacturing principles, accountability, and strong leadership. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for all manufacturing operations. Develop, coach, and mentor plant leadership while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. Lead safety initiatives that promote a proactive, world-class safety culture. Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, reduce waste, improve quality, and increase profitability. Partner with cross-functional leaders including engineering, supply chain, maintenance, quality, and production to improve operational performance. Oversee production planning, inventory management, scheduling, and operational execution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met. Monitor key operational metrics including productivity, labor utilization, material costs, quality, scrap, rework, warranty performance, and on-time delivery. Develop and manage operating budgets and capital investment plans while identifying cost-saving opportunities. Establish and improve operational systems, processes, and standard work across the facility. Support new product introductions by collaborating with engineering and operations teams to improve manufacturability and production readiness. Foster a culture focused on continuous improvement, operational discipline, and customer satisfaction. Qualifications 5+ years of senior manufacturing leadership experience with responsibility for multiple functional departments. Experience leading operations within a metal fabrication, heavy equipment, industrial manufacturing, or similar environment. Demonstrated success leading high-mix manufacturing operations. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience managing production, quality, maintenance, logistics, inventory, and operational performance metrics. Proven ability to build high-performing teams and develop front-line leaders. Excellent communication, coaching, and change management skills. Strong financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets and capital expenditures. ERP experience required; exposure to manufacturing ERP systems is highly desirable. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred. Preferred Background Candidates with experience in industrial equipment, fabricated metal products, heavy manufacturing, agriculture, construction equipment, or similar engineered product environments are highly encouraged to apply. What You'll Bring Strategic leadership balanced with a hands-on operational approach. A track record of improving safety, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at every level of an organization. A passion for developing people and building a culture of continuous improvement. Experience leading organizations through growth, operational transformation, or performance improvement initiatives. #J-18808-Ljbffr