Director, Operations

Director, Operations

Location: South Deerfield, MA Company: Pelican

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world's toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we've been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it's transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You'll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn't an option. If you're ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

What You'll Do:

Lead the operation. Transform the culture. Raise the bar for manufacturing excellence.

Pelican is seeking a dynamic Senior Director of Operations to lead manufacturing operations at our South Deerfield facility. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People (SQDCIP) while building an engaged, accountable, and high-performing organization.

We're looking for a manufacturing leader who knows how to transform operations—not simply maintain them. You'll lead a complex plastics manufacturing environment, leverage Lean and data to improve performance, develop the next generation of leaders, and help create a state-of-the-art operation positioned for long-term growth.

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People
• Build a culture of Operational Excellence, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the facility
• Champion Lean Daily Management through Gemba, tier meetings, Hour-by-Hour boards, Layered Process Audits, visual management, and cascading KPIs
• Drive a world-class 6S and safety culture, proactively identifying risks and implementing improvements in equipment, tooling, ergonomics, processes, and employee behaviors
• Lead production teams to consistently achieve customer, quality, cost, productivity, and delivery commitments
• Use data and analytics to identify performance gaps, solve problems at the root cause, and turn insights into measurable action
• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and New Product Development to successfully introduce new products and support profitable growth
• Drive innovative manufacturing solutions including poka-yoke, visual controls, digital work instructions, process controls, and other technologies that improve quality and execution
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase throughput, reduce waste and cost, improve inventory performance, and strengthen manufacturing capability
• Optimize manufacturing inventory systems and ensure effective material flow, inventory accuracy, and appropriate stocking levels
• Own Operations budgets, proactively manage variances, and execute capital plans that support performance and long-term growth
• Develop and execute strategies that improve the facility, employee experience, and Pelican's ability to attract and retain top manufacturing talent
• Build a strong leadership pipeline by identifying, coaching, developing, and rewarding high performers while proactively addressing performance gaps
• Create a culture that continually raises the bar for leadership, execution, and operational performance
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Significant experience within plastic injection molding; rotational molding and machining experience are highly desirable
• Proven success leading and transforming complex manufacturing operations
• Strong command of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, structured root cause analysis, and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated experience establishing Lean Daily Management systems, including tier meetings, visual management, Layered Process Audits, and SQDCIP metrics
• Proven ability to improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, inventory, and cost performance
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including budgeting, capital planning, inventory management, and manufacturing cost management
• Experience with SAP, MRP, MES, BOMs, routings, and manufacturing standards
• Knowledge of demand forecasting, supply planning, capacity, and inventory management within a complex manufacturing environment
• Strong change leadership skills with the ability to create urgency, challenge the status quo, and sustain improvements
• Track record of building high-performing teams and developing strong manufacturing leaders
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across Operations and corporate functions

What's In It For You:

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay /extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan – with immediate match
• Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers.
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear
• Employee referral program – get paid to work with your trusted network.
• Beautiful New England location
• Onsite Gym
• Established reputable brand offering premium products – you'll be proud to represent Pelican!
• And more…

Compensation & Benefits: Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The annual U.S. pay range for this position is listed below. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on your qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process. We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, 10 paid holidays per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, company-paid life and disability plans, and matching 401k to eligible employees. Pelican Products, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.