Director Of Operations

Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations plays a critical leadership role in overseeing safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing operations within a chemical manufacturing facility. This position is accountable for achieving production goals, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving operational performance, and developing a high-performing workforce while supporting customer satisfaction and business growth. The role offers extensive exposure to manufacturing strategies, operational excellence, workforce leadership, business strategy, financial management, and cross-functional decision-making, serving as a developmental pathway toward broader leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

+ Serve as a key member of the business leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, operational performance, and cross-functional business decision-making.

+ Partner closely with the Business Operations Manager to align manufacturing requirements with business support functions and overall organizational objectives.

+ Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance across the manufacturing plant.

+ Develop, track, and monitor manufacturing key performance indicators (KPIs), including quality, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

+ Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

+ Support annual budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and cost management initiatives to ensure efficient use of resources.

+ Lead succession planning and organizational development activities to build long-term leadership and operational capabilities.

+ Lead and direct all manufacturing activities to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and high-quality production.

+ Establish and execute production plans that meet customer demand, delivery requirements, and business objectives.

+ Manage daily manufacturing execution, including production scheduling, staffing, and prioritization of operational activities.

+ Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, process controls, and manufacturing specifications to maintain product quality and compliance.

+ Coordinate production activities to maximize throughput while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

+ Monitor manufacturing performance, identify operational issues and constraints, and implement corrective actions to resolve them.

+ Drive accountability for production results and operational discipline throughout the manufacturing organization.

+ Champion Manufacturing Excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles, standard work, waste elimination, visual management, and 5S practices.

+ Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

+ Utilize root cause analysis, corrective action methodologies, and data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance.

+ Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, equipment utilization, and labor efficiency.

+ Lead initiatives that improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime, and increase production capacity.

+ Promote a culture of continuous improvement and active employee involvement throughout manufacturing operations.

+ Lead and continuously improve Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs across the facility.

+ Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

+ Coordinate safety training, audits, inspections, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives to maintain a safe work environment.

+ Maintain required permits, regulatory documentation, and reporting activities in accordance with regulatory standards.

+ Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.

+ Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and environmental stewardship throughout the organization.

+ Partner with maintenance personnel to maximize equipment reliability and manufacturing uptime.

+ Support preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, and reliability improvement initiatives.

+ Assist in prioritizing maintenance activities based on operational requirements and business needs.

+ Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.

+ Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing expansion initiatives.

+ Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing personnel and frontline leaders to build a high-performing team.

+ Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards for manufacturing staff.

+ Manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development activities within the operations team.

+ Foster collaboration, communication, and engagement across manufacturing teams.

+ Support workforce development and succession planning…