Director of Operations and Continuous Improvement

The Director of Operations and Continuous Improvement (CI) leads and directs the operations function(s) for the organization to meet customer order requirements, improve speed, improve quality and increase effectiveness of operations. This position is responsible for and has the authority to vision, implement and manage company wide CI initiatives throughout the organization.

Functions which are critical to success and should be given top priority. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is meant to highlight essential responsibilities but is not all-inclusive.

• As a member of the executive management team, works with other team members to best meet company vision, mission, goals, and objectives on existing and future policies, projects and strategic initiatives.
• Serves as Champion of the Lean and CI Steering Committee.
• Coaches and directs activities of staff members and teams engaged in production, production planning, fabrication, automation, plant layout, cell design/flow, process improvements, quality assurance, materials, demand analysis, inventory, and logistics.
• Assumes overall responsibility for managing projects that optimize the quality and efficiency of operations.
• Provides leadership in support of team building activities of work teams to help develop skill sets and workforce strength, resilience and engagement.
• Provides leadership in operations plan development utilizing Quick Response Manufacturing Principles and other leading manufacturing methodologies.
• Defines, implements and supports systems that facilitate effective business operations.
• Defines and articulates key performance indicators that measure progress leading to operational excellence and industry leading customer experience.
• Supports all areas of operations through the use of production resources as is feasible.
• Works closely with the engineering team to ensure products produced meet or exceed organization standards of quality, performance, and delivery.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing and finance to align manufacturing activities with sales forecasts, demand planning, and budgetary constraints.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, such as engineering, purchasing, and logistics, to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the manufacturing process.
• Provide technical expertise and support on the following areas:
  • Manufacturing processes, to include welding, metal spinning, press break, rolling and stamping.
  • Equipment Maintenance, to include repair, improvement, and preventive maintenance.
  • Tooling, to include design, repair, and maintenance.
• Ensures compliance with industry regulatory & safety requirements.
• Establishes, communicates and enforces plant and company wide policies and procedures.
• Oversees safety efforts in conjunction with Human Resources for the facility and maintains safe practices and procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• 10+ years progressive management experience
• Management and Supply Chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience leading and developing other managers and leaders
• Knowledge of production, materials management, continuous improvement and ERP/MRP practices and techniques
• Knowledge of scheduling practices and capacity analysis
• Familiarity with P & L, budgeting for operation or plant
• Proficiency in system software skills
• System Dynamics experience (batch sizing, utilization, and capacity balancing)
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration or related field required
• Master’s Degree required
• Recognized Lean expert preferred

• Leadership (team development, ability to influence, service oriented, humility)
• People development (coaching, delegation, motivating others, performance management)
• Interpersonal skills (relationship building, teamwork, interpersonal insight, conflict resolution, customer orientation)
• Judgment & thinking (original thinking, judgment and…