Director Of Operations

 

Description:

The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and productivity. The Director will collaborate closely with other departments, including engineering and sales, to drive continuous improvement and achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

· Develop and execute operational strategies to meet organizational goals and objectives. Collaborate with senior management to align operational strategies with overall business objectives.

· Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and high performance.

· Use business and financial acumen to make informed decisions, adapt strategies as needed, and drive profitability.

Operations Management

· Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management.

· Ensure products are built to specification, shipped on time, and completed on budget.

· Plan for new production capacity and ability to respond to business growth.

· Develop, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.

· Analyze current operational processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

· Champion use of ERP systems to manage, track, and forecast operational functions.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

· Develop and implement quality management process.

· Address and resolve any quality issues or production challenges promptly while fostering a culture of quality awareness.

· Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements.

Resource Management

· Manage and optimize the use of resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.

· Oversee inventory management and procurement processes to support production needs.

· Develop and manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial performance.

Continuous Improvement

· Lead initiatives for continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TQM, or other improvement methodologies.

· Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency. Use metrics to track performance and assess impact of initiatives.

· Foster an environment where employees are encouraged to suggest improvements and participate in decision-making.

· Monitor industry trends and advancements to incorporate new technologies and practices.

Team Development

· Coach, train, and mentor staff for performance objectives. Assist with SMART goals that align with departmental strategy and employee development. Provide continuous feedback one-on-one.

· Create and maintain a positive environment of highly motivated, collaborative teams who feel empowered. Address and resolve conflict early.

· Perform routine supervisory functions in accordance with state and federal employment law.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Competencies

· Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and continuous improvement principles.

· Proficiency in manufacturing software and systems (e.g., ERP systems).

· Demonstrated leadership, team management, and conflict resolution skills.

· Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work environment: Located in Appleton, WI, our three facilities operate by secure entry, are well lit, air temperature controlled for comfort, and clean with low noise. Safety is our top priority. Our culture is centered around mutual respect, clarity of communication, and employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands

· Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.

· Capacity to use standard office equipment such as computer, telephone, and videoconferencing.

· Ability to navigate manufacturing floor environment, which may include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.

· Capacity to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, and hard hat as needed.

· Ability to tolerate exposure to moderate levels of noise, vibration, and varying temperatures in a manufacturing environment.

· Ability to move between different areas of the facility including production floor, warehouse, and administrative offices.

· Ability to follow health and safety guidelines and protocols including emergency procedures.

· Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Status: Full-time, exempt.

Travel: There is the potential for occasional travel to a supplier, a business-related event or training, or our facility in Sweden.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

· Proven experience (typically 7-10 years) in a senior manufacturing or operations management role.

· Proven ability to drive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.