Director of Operations

Role Overview

The Operations Director is a key member of the site leadership team and is responsible for leading manufacturing operations to achieve world‑class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role sets and executes the operational strategy aligned with the business plan, driving a strong culture of Continuous Improvement, Lean manufacturing, and people development.

The Operations Director provides strategic and hands‑on leadership across production, manufacturing engineering, and operational support functions, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality products at the lowest total cost in a safe, compliant, and engaging work environment.

Palmer, MA;
Onsite

This role is based on‑site in Palmer, MA and provides operational leadership support to the Pipersville, PA manufacturing campus. The Palmer and Pipersville locations collectively support machining and assembly operations across six buildings. Travel to the Pipersville campus is required to ensure alignment and performance across both locations.

• Own and execute the site operations strategy in alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, and financial commitments.
• Lead and develop the Operations leadership team to deliver results through standard work, capacity planning, and effective resource utilization.
• Drive operational excellence across all manufacturing and supply chain areas, ensuring consistent performance against SQDCP metrics.
• Serve as the operational leader for Health, Safety, and Environmental performance, ensuring compliance with company standards and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with Sustaining Engineering to resolve product lifecycle challenges, implement design improvements, and support ongoing manufacturability and reliability initiatives.
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, risk identification, incident investigation, and corrective action.
• Ensure manufacturing operations comply with Quality Management System requirements and support continuous improvement of quality performance.
• Lead the deployment and sustainability of Lean manufacturing across the site, embedding Continuous Improvement into daily operations.
• Sponsor and govern Kaizen, value stream, and process improvement initiatives to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Drive fact‑based decision making using structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and performance data.
• Own operational budgets including expense, capital, and productivity targets.
• Develop and execute capital investment strategies aligned with capacity, growth, and operational efficiency objectives.
• Manage factory capacity and workforce planning to meet current and future customer demand.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to support New Product Introduction using APQP principles.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness, process capability, and quality standards are achieved for new and existing products.
• Build and sustain a high‑performing operations organization through clear expectations, coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Develop a strong pipeline of operational leaders and technical talent.
• Promote a culture of engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning aligned with company values.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline; MBA preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive operations leadership experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years leading production or manufacturing operations with direct people leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience driving Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement at scale.
• Proven success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics.

• Strong operational and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and capital investments.
• Deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem‑solving.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Data‑driven decision maker with strong analytical…