THE COMPANY

Our client is a tools manufacturer.

THE POSITION

Our client seeks a Director of Operations who will be responsible for leading all operations and functions at a vertically integrated manufacturing facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute operational plans while delivering best-in-class safety, quality, service levels and cost.
• Establish manufacturing strategies, footprint and space planning needed to support business growth and customer requirements effectively and efficiently.
• Instill operational disciplines and best practices throughout the leadership team and on the plant floor; 5S, Gemba walks, metrics/ KPIs/ dashboards, data-driven and financially sound decision making, workforce agility (cross training), etc.
• Ensure close communication and coordination with Global Operations and New Product Development teams to proactively support launches.
• Identify gaps and optimize processes, systems, technologies and flow through the entire value stream of the operations to drive productivity, reduce costs and increase quality.
• Ensure close communication and coordination with cross-functional teams.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, engineering, business or a technical field.
• Twelve-plus years of progressive manufacturing experience, with at least five years in factory management.
• Experience in hand tool manufacturing or related processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, assembly, automation and printing) in both high-volume and made-to-order environments.
• Background that includes strategic short- and long-term planning, Profit and Loss (P/L) and Quality Systems Regulations.
• Solid understanding of Lean principles, Six Sigma and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated strong business judgment and decision-making skills with the ability to identify, prioritize and articulate the highest impact initiatives.
• Knowledge of safety, regulatory and government agencies.
• Strong fundamentals in Enterprise Resource Planning / Material Planning systems.
• Additional soft skills that include transparency, a sense of urgency, an extreme ownership mindset, a customer-focused bias, a transformational outlook and a “one team” leadership style.
• Travel requirements: 10-15% mostly local and some international.