Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Director of Operations will lead all manufacturing operations, driving operational excellence, improving plant performance, and building the organizational structure necessary to support the company's continued growth. This individual will be responsible for strengthening production planning, increasing efficiency, improving accountability across the organization, and developing a high-performing leadership team. The role will work closely with executive leadership to ensure alignment on business objectives and operational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations, including Production, Production Planning, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, and Materials Management.
• Develop and implement effective production planning and scheduling processes to improve throughput, on-time delivery, and resource utilization.
• Drive plant efficiency by improving labor productivity, machine utilization, workflow, and manufacturing performance.
• Establish clear operational metrics and KPIs while creating a culture of accountability and disciplined execution throughout the organization.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on eliminating waste, improving quality, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities and capital equipment investments to support long-term operational growth.
• Develop cost reduction initiatives while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee inventory control and materials management to improve inventory accuracy, reduce excess inventory, and ensure production continuity.
• Build, mentor, and develop the local management team, creating succession plans and strengthening leadership capabilities across departments.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration across all functional areas to ensure alignment on operational goals and business priorities.
• Develop standardized processes, operating procedures, and reporting systems that provide greater visibility into plant performance.
• Partner with Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Sales, and other cross-functional teams to support business growth and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including experience leading multi-functional operations.
• Strong background in plastic injection molding and extrusion manufacturing; experience in toy or consumer products manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success improving production planning, operational efficiency, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Experience leading automation initiatives and capital equipment projects.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, production scheduling, and manufacturing cost control.
• Experience developing managers and building high-performing leadership teams.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English and Spanish preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys being on the plant floor, solving operational challenges, and building systems that improve efficiency and accountability. They have a proven ability to lead organizational change, develop people, and create scalable operational processes that support rapid business growth. This individual is comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is committed to building a culture of operational excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement.