Director of Operations – Dental Laboratory

Director of Operations – Dental Laboratory

Position Type: Full‑time

Salary Range: $110,000 – $150,000 / year (Commensurate with experience)

We are seeking a visionary and results‑driven Director of Operations to oversee the day‑to‑day manufacturing workflows, logistics, and technical staff at our Elmhurst, NY dental laboratory. This pivotal executive role bridges the gap between traditional dental technology and cutting‑edge digital CAD/CAM dental production. The ideal candidate will optimize end‑to‑end production cycles, scale manufacturing capabilities, champion strict quality assurance standards, and cultivate a highly efficient, positive laboratory culture.

You will ensure the flawless delivery of premium restorative solutions (crowns, bridges, implants, and removables) to our expanding clinical client network.

• Streamline the entire lab production cycle from initial case intake (both traditional impressions and STL digital files) through design, manufacturing, and final shipping.
• Maximize the utilization and efficiency of high‑tech lab equipment, including 3D printers, 5‑axis milling machines, scanners, and sintering ovens.
• Implement Lean manufacturing practices to minimize remake rates, reduce turnaround times, and scale daily output.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate department supervisors, dental technicians, and CAD/CAM designers.
• Establish performance KPIs, manage labor scheduling, and design continuous training programs to cross‑train technicians on both analog and digital bench.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑accountability environment focused on precise artistry and operational excellence.
• Enforce a rigorous multi‑stage quality control (QC) protocol to guarantee micro‑precision regarding fit, occlusion, margin integrity, and shade accuracy.
• Serve as the primary technical point of escalation for complex, full‑mouth reconstruction cases or clinical issues, consulting directly with doctors and clinical staff.
• Track and analyze remake data to isolate and correct root‑cause mechanical or design errors.
• Manage laboratory overhead by streamlining the procurement of critical materials (zirconia discs, resins, PMMA, milling burs, and alloys).
• Partner with executive leadership to build operational budgets, forecast equipment capital expenditures (Cap Ex), and manage vendor relationships for software/hardware maintenance.
• Oversee lab management software systems (e.g., Magic Touch, Lab Vista) to pull real‑time data on laboratory profitability and utilize insights for continuous improvement.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience managing operations within a medium‑to‑large full‑service commercial dental laboratory.
• Technical Expertise:
  Deep knowledge of dental morphology, anatomy, and advanced restorative materials (zirconia, lithium disilicate/e.max, PFM, and titanium implants).
• Digital Proficiency:
  Hands‑on familiarity with digital design suites (exocad or 3
  
  Shape) and automated manufacturing hardware (milling units and resin 3D printers).
• Education:
  
  Certified Dental Technician (CDT) status or a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field is highly preferred.