Director of Operations (Cincinnati Metropolitan Area)

Director of Operations, Global Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer (Multi-site role)

Cincinnati, OH Metropolitan Area

Join a Market Leader in the Global Chemical Industry

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a highly respected international business, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. Reporting directly to SVP level, you will play a pivotal role in leading operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement across the site.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced, results-oriented Director of Operations with direct overview of the the main site and accountability for an additional site to lead and optimize manufacturing performance in this division. This role is responsible for ensuring each site operates efficiently, safely, and profitably driving performance through standardization, strong leadership, and a disciplined focus on KPIs such as cost per pound, on-time in full (OTIF), first time right (FTR), and working capital.

The ideal candidate is a strategic operator with the ability to lead site managers, develop cross-site initiatives, and collaborate across functions (supply chain, quality, commercial) to deliver value to both the business and our customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership to site Operations Managers across multiple manufacturing locations
• Own and deliver key performance metrics:
• Cost per pound: Drive operational efficiency, waste reduction, and labor productivity
• OTIF %: Ensure schedule adherence and responsiveness to customer demand
• First Time Right (FTR): Partner with Quality and R&D to reduce rework and defects
• Working Capital: Monitor inventory levels, production reporting accuracy, and raw material flow
• Standardize processes, KPIs, and reporting across sites to align with divisional goals
• Develop, mentor, and hold accountable site leadership teams
• Identify and share best practices across sites to improve throughput, quality, and cost
• Collaborate with supply chain, finance, research and development labs, and commercial teams to align operations with demand and financial goals
• Lead cross-site operational reviews, audits, and continuous improvement efforts
• Support capital planning, equipment upgrades, and lean transformation initiatives
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across all facilities

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 10+ years in manufacturing, with 5+ years in multi-site or senior plant leadership preferred
• Experience in batch manufacturing preferred (speciality chemicals, formulated products, or similar batch manufacturing environments)
• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making ability
• Deep knowledge of lean manufacturing, KPI systems, and process standardization
• Experience managing site-level P&L performance or influencing operational cost drivers
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or related quality systems
• Proven leadership and team development experience
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites

What Success Looks Like

• Reduced and stabilized cost per pound across all sites
• Consistent OTIF > 95% and improving FTR performance
• Simplified, standardized operations across the network
• Engaged, accountable leadership at each site
• Improved responsiveness to customer demand and reduced lead times
• Lower working capital through tighter inventory and production control

WHY JOIN?

• Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Competitive 401(k) plan with company match
• Company-paid life insurance

Join a global organization that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, where your work directly impacts customer success.

Apply

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader looking to take the next step in your career with a world-class chemical manufacturer, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Click Apply Now to find out more or to submit your application in confidence.

Athena Executive Search & Selection has been exclusively retained to recruit this position on behalf of our client. All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.