Operations Director
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Job Location:
Lowell, MA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
6 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Director of Operations Manufacturing
Overview
We are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to lead manufacturing execution and drive operational excellence within a high-mix low-volume engineer-to-order environment. This role is responsible for improving throughput on-time delivery quality and production predictability while instilling strong operational discipline and implementing practical Lean manufacturing methodologies.
The organization designs and builds complex electromechanical systems that integrate metal fabrication refrigeration controls and final assembly across both standardized and highly customized configurations.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team contributing to strategic planning and organizational goal setting
- Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives and drive a culture of continuous improvement across operations
- Improve manufacturing throughput reduce labor hours and enhance production flow and predictability
- Drive measurable improvements in on-time delivery and overall production execution
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across fabrication assembly and system test operations
- Optimize workflow and handoffs between fabrication electrical refrigeration assembly and testing functions
- Strengthen alignment between engineering and manufacturing to minimize design-related disruptions and rework
- Establish and manage KPIs that provide visibility accountability and performance tracking across operations
- Implement practical Lean tools including visual management tiered daily meetings standard work and structured problem solving
- Lead mentor and develop manufacturing teams reinforcing accountability at the leadership supervisor and operator levels
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering software and other technical teams to ensure seamless system integration
- Build and sustain training programs to enhance workforce capability and operational effectiveness
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a high-mix low-volume or custom equipment environment
- Strong background in metal fabrication welding and electromechanical assembly
- Proven track record of improving throughput on-time delivery and overall operational performance
- Hands-on experience implementing Lean manufacturing in a practical shop-floor-focused environment
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production planning/control processes
- Experience partnering closely with engineering teams on manufacturability BOM structure and production readiness
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex production challenges in custom-build environments
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability influence change and build high-performing teams
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization
INTERNAL NOTES:
This is a new client engagement and we are working directly with the CEO and Director of HR. The company generates under $100M in annual revenue and employs approximately 100 people. They are seeking a Director of Operations who can build and manage the full operational pathfrom raw material through final distributionwhile meeting all performance goals across welding metal forming and fabrication and electromechanical assembly. This role will not be advertised.
They have a longstanding loyal customer base across aerospace electronics and automotive with a growing footprint in the global battery industry.
This is a confidential replacement search and I cannot share the company name at this time. They are a small standalone organization and it is unlikely you would have encountered them previously. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential. The Director must be a visible presence on the floor driving continuous improvement and ensuring the plant stays on schedule. Local candidates only.
The Director reports directly to the CEO and serves on the Senior Management Team participating in strategic planning and companywide goal setting.
A deep understanding of precision mechanical assembly machining processes and tolerances and electromechanical system assembly and test is required.
They specifically need experience in:
- Welding
- Metal forming and fabrication
- Electromechanical assembly operations
The company builds standalone testing equipment from the ground up. They will not consider backgrounds rooted in semiconductor pharmaceutical chemical/biotech molding or continuousprocess environments.
The salary range is $175K$200K with a bonus program to be discussed.
