Operations Director

WORK LOCATION:

Ann Arbor, MI

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

SALARY RANGE:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,300 - $217,300 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

The Operations Director leads the operations of our Energy Systems manufacturing facility covering the manufacturing of solid oxide fuel cells, lithium polymer battery packs and affiliated accessories and kit assemblies. The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process improvement to ensure efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations. Your leadership, strategic planning, and operational expertise will be crucial in driving the success and growth of our operations.

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned to other duties.

• Lead the site safety culture by maintaining an unwavering focus on safe operations, regulatory compliance, and accountability while promoting a proactive approach to workplace safety throughout the organization.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, goals, and objectives aligned with the company's vision, business objectives, and long-term growth plans.
• Lead and manage overall manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and optimize manufacturing processes and workflows to ensure efficient production, operational scalability, and timely delivery of products while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost performance utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Develop, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
• Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and financial targets.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, supply chain, program management, and sales, to ensure alignment of priorities and successful execution of company objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels across all levels of the organization, ensuring company initiatives, operational updates, performance expectations, and feedback are communicated clearly and consistently.
• Implement and maintain strict adherence to quality standards, regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and applicable certifications throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Support on-site and corporate supply chain functions, including strategic sourcing, vendor selection, contract negotiations, supplier performance management, and relationship development.
• Develop and manage manufacturing budgets, including capital and operating expenditures, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and achievement of financial objectives.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing operations team by providing ongoing feedback, performance management, training, succession planning, and professional development opportunities.
• Create an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, adaptability, and constructive feedback while fostering employee engagement and accountability.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and effectively guide teams through business growth, process improvements, and evolving operational priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment and data-driven decision-making to solve complex operational challenges, prioritize initiatives, and achieve organizational goals.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, manufacturing best practices, and leadership…