Director of Manufacturing Operations

The Director of Manufacturing Operations will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across two manufacturing organizations and their active production facilities, with full accountability for manufacturing, production planning, inventory control, material flow, capital planning, and continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished operations leader to combine the strategic influence of a senior executive with the hands‑on impact of a plant leader. The successful candidate will build upon a capable workforce and established infrastructure while introducing greater consistency, accountability, and operational discipline across both sites. You will shape the overall operational strategy, develop and strengthen the leadership teams, modernize systems and processes, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost. This is a true transformation opportunity for a leader who wants the autonomy and scope to make a lasting impact. The ideal candidate will have a background that includes: Strategic & Operational Leadership Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with overall business objectives. Oversee Manufacturing, Production Planning, Inventory Control, Material Flow, and workforce flexibility across both facilities. Establish consistent operating standards, systems, and performance expectations across both organizations. Translate long-term business objectives into actionable operating plans and measurable results. Drive Lean manufacturing, visual management, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement initiatives. Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital plans. Monitor operational performance, financial trends, and variances; implement corrective actions as needed. Drive cost optimization, productivity, and margin improvement throughout the product lifecycle. Identify and prioritize capital investments that improve safety, capacity, quality, efficiency, and long‑term competitiveness. Leadership & Talent Development Build, lead, and develop strong plant leadership teams across both sites. Hire, coach, and develop key technical and managerial talent. Establish accountability and performance expectations while fostering a collaborative, team‑based culture. Lead organizational change and drive adoption of new processes, systems, and technologies. Adjust staffing and resources to effectively respond to changing business and production requirements. Operational Excellence & Compliance Establish and maintain high standards for safety, quality, throughput, delivery, and cost. Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, EPA, and UL/CSA standards. Improve manufacturing systems, visual management, production controls, and operational metrics. Oversee facility maintenance, security, emergency preparedness, and operational improvements. Identify opportunities to improve processes, technology, and overall operational effectiveness. Cross-Functional & Customer Leadership Partner closely with Sales, Product Development, Engineering, Finance, and Executive Leadership. Represent Operations in strategic business, product development, and organizational planning discussions. Ensure operational capabilities support customer requirements for quality, delivery, responsiveness, and service. Foster strong communication and alignment between both organizations. Must-Have Requirements include: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field required. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Proven success leading high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing operations. Strong Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement expertise with a demonstrated record of improving operational performance. Experience managing manufacturing P&L, operating budgets, and capital expenditures. Multi‑site and/or multi‑brand operational leadership. Experience with ERP systems, Visual Management, and Value Stream Mapping. ERP implementation experience is a plus! Proven ability to lead and develop plant‑level management teams. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, inventory management, material flow, and quality systems. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at the plant floor, leadership team, and executive levels. Demonstrated ability to lead change, establish accountability, and drive initiatives independently. #J-18808-Ljbffr