Director of Operations

Operations DirectorNoratel North America | Hobart, Indiana – Chicago AreaFor an operations executive who believes performance is built on the shop floor - not in a conference room.About the jobWe are seeking a hands-on Operations Director to lead Noratel's manufacturing operations across three sites in the United States and Mexico.Based in Hobart, Indiana, this role carries full operational responsibility for the North American manufacturing network, with accountability for on-time delivery, productivity, cost, capacity utilization, inventory, and working-capital performance.This is not a head-office leadership position. The successful candidate will spend significant time at the manufacturing sites, working directly with site leaders and operational teams to strengthen execution, embed Lean practices, improve manufacturing capability, and build a more efficient and resilient operating network.The role reports directly to the SVP North America and requires regular travel to our site in Nogales, Mexico.Noratel is a global manufacturer of custom power magnetics, serving demanding industry segments since 1925. As part of the Magnetics Division within discoverIE Group, we benefit from a global network of specialized electronic component manufacturers. With more than 2,000 employees across 13 countries,Noratel combines local responsiveness with global engineering and production capabilities to deliverworld-class magnetic components.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational PerformanceLead operational performance across three manufacturing sites in the United States and MexicoDeliver improvements in on-time delivery, productivity, operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and working capitalEstablish clear operational targets and ensure effective mitigation plans are in place when performance is at riskEnsure all sites operate fully within the safety and quality standards owned and led by the QHSE functionLean and Continuous ImprovementSupport the deployment of the Noratel Continuous Improvement system across all sitesDrive the practical implementation of Lean manufacturing, 5S, daily management, and structured problem-solvingDeliver measurable and sustained improvements directly on the shop floorStandardize operational processes, tools, and routines across the networkSupply Chain and PlanningOwn site-level supply-chain execution, including production planning, scheduling, WIP, finished-goods inventory, warehousing, and logisticsEstablish robust S&OP and production-planning disciplines across the networkImprove inventory accuracy and reduce working capital while protecting customer delivery performancePartner with Procurement on purchased-material inventory and supply continuityERP and Operational DisciplineDrive disciplined use of ERP and MRP systems across the sitesStrengthen data quality, system accuracy, and operational reportingUse Sage 500 or similar systems to support capacity planning, scheduling, materials management, and performance analysisManufacturing Cost and Engineering PartnershipOwn operations-led cost reduction across processes, labor, yield, and scrapPartner with Engineering on VAVE, industrialization, and new-product introductionProvide manufacturability, should-cost, and production input to engineering-led initiativesEnsure new products are introduced efficiently, reliably, and at the right costFootprint, Capacity and Capital PlanningLead the North American manufacturing footprint and capacity strategyAssess asset utilization, cost-to-serve, site configuration, and network efficiencyDevelop and execute optimization plans that improve resilience and prepare the business for future growthLead capacity planning and prioritize capital investment across the sitesLeadership and Capability BuildingLead and develop Site Managers across the networkBuild strong operational leadership capability and succession plans at site levelCreate an accountable, engaged, and performance-focused cultureDevelop and retain operational talent aligned with Noratel's values and long-term objectivesQualificationsBachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or a related engineering disciplineMaster's degree or MBA is considered an advantageMinimum 10 years of operational management experience in a manufacturing environmentProven experience leading multi-site and multicultural operations across the United States and MexicoStrong track record of improving manufacturing performance, cost, productivity, and deliveryHands-on experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, and Continuous Improvement practicesDemonstrated experience delivering manufacturing-process cost reductions and supporting VAVE initiativesStrong working knowledge of ERP and MRP systems; Sage 500 experience is preferredExperience leading manufacturing footprint, capacity, or network-optimization initiativesStrong commercial and financial understanding, including working capital, inventory, capacity utilization, and cost performanceFluent English; working Spanish is a strong advantageKey CompetenciesVisible, hands-on shop-floor leadershipStrong operational and financial disciplineAnalytical and root-cause-oriented problem-solvingHigh accountability and results focusAbility to lead across different cultures, locations, and operating environmentsStrong people-development and succession-building capabilityPractical, resilient, and decisive leadership styleWhy NoratelThis is an opportunity to shape the future of Noratel's North American manufacturing network.You will have the authority and visibility to influence operational strategy, strengthen site performance, develop manufacturing capability, and lead meaningful improvements across the United States and Mexico.The role offers broad exposure to senior leadership, Engineering, QHSE, Procurement, Finance, and global operations, together with the opportunity to make a measurable impact on delivery, cost, capacity, and long-term competitiveness.What We OfferBase salary of $130,000–$150,000 per year, depending on skills, qualifications and experience, plus a performance-related incentiveA senior leadership role with responsibility for three manufacturing sitesDirect influence on operational strategy, manufacturing footprint, and investment prioritiesRegular collaboration with senior North American and global leadershipOpportunity to lead operational transformation across the United States and MexicoCareer development within Noratel and the wider discoverIE GroupTo apply, please submit your application via LinkedIn or contact us for further information.