Director Of Operations

Director Of Operations

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 initiatives to prepare for future growth.
• Build organizational capabilities that support…