Director of Operations

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead the overall performance of our manufacturing facility, with full ownership across safety, production, quality, inventory, purchasing, and cost management. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring we consistently deliver on customer commitments while improving throughput, managing working capital effectively, and driving operational excellence within a high-mix, low-volume environment. This is the top leader on site and a highly visible role within the organization. The Director of Operations will take strategic direction and translate it into strong day-to-day execution, building structure where needed while maintaining the flexibility required in a dynamic production setting. The right person will bring a continuous improvement mindset, instill accountability across teams, and implement scalable processes that support long-term, profitable growth. Just as importantly, we are looking for a builder - someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who is energized by the opportunity to grow a business. This leader should be comfortable stepping onto the plant floor, identifying problems in real time, and working side-by-side with the team to solve them. Success in this role requires a hands‑on approach, strong business acumen, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to move the operation forward. The ideal candidate has a track record of leading operations within a growing manufacturing company and thrives in environments that require prioritization, adaptability, and team development as the business scales. Compensation: The company offers a competitive base salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package. Equity participation may be available for the right individual. Key Responsibilities Oversee daily plant operations with a focus on safety, product quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency. Create and manage production schedules that align with customer demand while navigating capacity and shifting priorities. Lead initiatives to improve throughput, streamline workflows, and eliminate waste across product lines. Track and enhance key performance metrics such as labor productivity, OEE, scrap, rework, lead times, and delivery performance. Collaborate closely with Engineering to enhance manufacturability and support successful new product launches. Maintain a visible, active presence on the production floor; lead by example in driving execution and problem‑solving. Inventory Control & Planning Take ownership of inventory accuracy and overall inventory strategy across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods. Implement disciplined processes for cycle counting, reconciliation, and inventory control. Improve inventory turns while maintaining strong service levels in a complex, SKU‑heavy environment. Establish forecasting and demand planning processes suited for a variable production model. Drive reductions in excess, obsolete, and slow‑moving inventory. Purchasing & Supply Chain Direct sourcing strategy and supplier relationships to support a diverse and evolving product mix. Negotiate pricing, terms, and long‑term agreements aligned with cost control and cash flow objectives. Ensure consistent material availability while managing working capital effectively. Define and monitor supplier performance metrics tied to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness. Build contingency plans and mitigate risks for key materials and long‑lead items. Leadership & People Development Lead, mentor, and develop leaders across production, inventory, and purchasing functions. Foster a culture centered on ownership, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Set clear expectations through KPIs, structured operating rhythms, and consistent performance management. Partner with HR to recruit, develop, and retain high‑performing talent. Cultivate an engaged workforce where leaders are visible, accessible, and willing to step in when needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; Mechanical Engineering preferred but not required. 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including production or operations leadership. Experience operating in a high‑mix, low‑volume environment. Background overseeing production planning. Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement experience preferred. Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to be hands‑on and actively involved in day‑to‑day plant operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr