Director of Operations

Careers Unlimited - Sioux Falls, SD

Full-time - Senior

Sioux Falls, SD

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Operations will oversee the daily operations of this growing manufacturer, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the Supply Chain and Manufacturing departments. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills who can drive operational excellence, streamline processes, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the product. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of manufacturing, supply chain management, quality control, and budgeting. This position is critical as it will be a key member of the leadership team, influencing the direction and success of the organization. In this role, the Director of Operations will be responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies, policies, and procedures tailored to enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety within the manufacturing and distribution sectors. The candidate will oversee the production process, ensuring high standards of quality and compliance with industry regulations. They will implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to improve production efficiency and reduce waste. The Director will also optimize the supply chain for components and materials, managing relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement. They will establish and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure that all products meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations, leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product reliability and performance. Additionally, the role requires ensuring compliance with relevant safety and environmental regulations, staying updated with regulatory changes, and implementing necessary adjustments. The Director will work closely with the Product Management and Engineering teams to facilitate the seamless integration of new technologies and products into the manufacturing process, ensuring that operational capabilities align with product innovation goals. Performance monitoring through tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to the industry will be essential, using data-driven insights to drive operational improvements and achieve business objectives. Team leadership, budget management, and maintaining a customer-centric approach in all operational activities are also critical components of this role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures tailored to the manufacturing and distribution to enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety.
• Oversee the production process, ensuring high standards of quality and compliance with industry regulations.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to improve production efficiency and reduce waste.
• Optimize the supply chain for components and materials, managing relationships with suppliers and vendors for timely and cost-effective procurement.
• Establish and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure products meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product reliability and performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety and environmental regulations, including UL, CSA, CE, and other applicable standards.
• Work closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to integrate new technologies and products into the manufacturing process.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as product defect rates, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
• Maintain a customer-centric approach in all operational activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial or Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management.
• 5 years in a leadership role within electronics manufacturing environment with a strong supply chain background.
• Proven track record of successfully managing manufacturing and supply chain operations in a similar industry.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and other operational software.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization.