Director of Operations | Onsite in Columbus, OH

Location: Onsite in Columbus, OH Relocation: Available Compensation: $150,000-$170,000 annually Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead and oversee manufacturing operations for an established, growing organization in Columbus, Ohio. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a results‑driven operations professional with a strong background in custom manufacturing, low-volume/high-mix production environments, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement . The Director of Operations will be responsible for establishing operational strategies, driving production efficiency, developing high‑performing teams, and ensuring the organization consistently meets its production, quality, safety, and financial objectives. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, strategic leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and has demonstrated success improving operational performance, managing complex production workflows, and leading organizational change. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and direction to manufacturing operations, including Production Managers, Production Supervisors, and hourly production personnel. Establish operational goals, performance metrics, and improvement initiatives aligned with overall business objectives. Oversee daily manufacturing activities, ensuring production schedules, workflow priorities, and operational targets are consistently achieved. Manage manufacturing budgets, direct labor, overhead expenses, and other operational costs while maintaining financial accountability and profitability. Drive the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement initiatives, and operational excellence programs. Champion workplace safety by ensuring compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations while fostering a strong safety culture. Partner closely with cross‑functional leadership teams, including Engineering, Materials, Purchasing, Quality, Planning, Inventory Control, and other business functions. Identify operational challenges, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency. Develop, mentor, and coach direct and indirect reports while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous development. Evaluate existing processes and business procedures, identifying opportunities to streamline operations, eliminate waste, and improve overall performance. Lead organizational change initiatives and ensure successful execution of strategic operational projects. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within a custom manufacturing environment. 7+ years of progressive leadership or supervisory experience within a manufacturing organization. Demonstrated experience managing low-volume/high-mix manufacturing operations . Strong understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence initiatives. Proven ability to lead large, diverse manufacturing teams and manage multiple levels of operational leadership. Experience with change management, process optimization, and driving measurable operational improvements. Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing budgets, labor costs, and operational P&L responsibilities. Excellent communication, interpersonal, team‑building, and conflict‑resolution skills. Ability to make sound decisions and lead effectively in fast‑paced, high‑pressure, and sometimes ambiguous environments. Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems. Experience with SAP or similar platforms is beneficial. Preferred Experience Experience in specialty or highly customized manufacturing environments. Background in organizations with complex production workflows and diverse product configurations. Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrated success improving production efficiency, reducing operational costs, and developing high‑performing teams. Why Consider This Opportunity? Senior leadership role with significant influence over overall manufacturing operations. Opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and meaningful operational improvements. Collaborative environment with direct exposure to executive leadership. Opportunity to lead and develop a talented manufacturing organization. Interested candidates with a strong background in custom manufacturing, low‑volume/high‑mix production, and operational leadership are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Notice Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal . Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. Additionally, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. Lastly, you agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here . Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here . Residents of all other states may access our policies here . Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here . Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here . Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here ( Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; and other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits). #J-18808-Ljbffr Vaco by Highspring