THE COMPANY

Our client specializes in the design and manufacture of Human Machine Interface (HMI) products.

THE POSITION

The Director of Operations is a key leadership role that demands dynamic and effective leadership to foster operational Cl excellence and optimize outcomes within the organization. It’s actively seeking an individual with a high-energy approach, robust leadership skills and a proven history of guiding teams toward exceptional results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operational strategy aligned with the company’s vision and goals, focusing on enhancing manufacturing processes, quality control, supply chain optimization and cost controls.
• Leverage expertise in current manufacturing methodologies to drive process innovation and Lean manufacturing principles to increase productivity, reduce waste and ensure consistent product quality.
• Define key performance indicators for operations, facilities, quality and safety teams, track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Institute continuous improvement initiatives and programs utilizing various visual and Lean principles.
• Work closely with managers and key employees to continuously identify weaker areas needing support and proactively set corrective action.
• Partner effectively with Engineering, R&D, Sales, Finance and Materials Purchasing to align manufacturing requirements with customer needs and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Drive the development of capital plans ensuring compelling and credible capital expense project proposals in partnership with Materials Purchasing, Finance and Facilities, and ensure timely and on-budget execution of capital projects.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or operations management related field strongly preferred; advanced degree preferred.
• Eight to 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing environments with a roll-up-the sleeves mentality where finished goods production is outsourced overseas and internally vertically integrated.
• Demonstrable operational excellence track record with a strong quality and HSSE background.
• Demonstrable experience and ability to collaborate and lead high-performance teams in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience leading teams in environments with a strong mix of manual labor, assembly and automation utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Successful and demonstrable change management track record in a middle-market environment.
• Strong understanding and extensive experience working with APAC suppliers.
• Previous private equity-backed experience preferred.
• Operational career path with experience in manufacturing, driving productivity, establishing professional processes, KPIs, Lean manufacturing principles and systems and organizational development.