Director of Operations

DRC Heat Transfer (DRC) is a US-based designer and manufacturer of custom heat transfer and cooling solutions in industries such as industrial, transit, energy, and data‑center power‑generation markets.

DRC Heat Transfer has an opening for a detail orientation Director of Operations position located in Melrose Park, IL. DRC is a Subsidiary of Smiths Group PLC (Smiths) with Headquarters in London, England. The Director of Operations is a key part of the DRC leadership team.

Job Summary

As a member of the leadership team, the Director of Operations is responsible and accountable for the strategic vision of our manufacturing process. This role is pivotal in aligning all aspects of manufacturing with company and customer expectations in a rapid-growth, multi-site, ETO/MTO manufacturing environment. This newly created position leverages historic experience, creativity and problem‑solving to identify and address challenges associated with significant, multi-year growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives while driving team performance, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Maintain full P&L responsibility and accountability for all manufacturing operations, ensuring achievement of financial and operational objectives.
• Help with establishing and executing short- and long-term manufacturing strategies, including facility expansion, equipment investments, and workforce planning to support business growth.
• Oversee the master production schedule to ensure on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and efficient resource utilization.
• Align production activities to optimize labor utilization, productivity, and operational efficiency within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Serve as a change agent by implementing and sustaining best-in-class manufacturing processes, systems, and operational practices.
• Make timely, data-driven operational decisions in dynamic environments, including critical machine downtime and production disruption scenarios.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies to drive waste reduction, quality improvements, and cost savings.
• Develop organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and promotion of high-potential employees.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to achieve business objectives and improve operational performance.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous learning across all levels of the organization.
• Ensure all responsibilities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support organizational goals.

Responsibilities to Organization

• Demonstrate and promote DRC's core values in all business activities and interactions.
• Protect, support, and strengthen DRC's culture through positive leadership, collaboration, and professional conduct.
• Perform assigned responsibilities within the scope of the position and direction provided, while willingly accepting additional assignments as needed.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, information security, integrity, and ethical conduct regarding company information and business matters.
• Approach organizational changes and challenging situations with professionalism, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment, proactively identifying and addressing hazards or reporting concerns promptly to…