Director of Operations
Location - Pennsylvania
Overview
The Director of Operations will work very closely with the General Manager and the other Business Unit Directors to lead their organization through various initiatives such as the implementation of manufacturing systems and processes, standardization of processes and metrics, asset rationalization and utilization, operational excellence, and distribution realignment, among others. This executive will build the BU team that will drive bottom-line performance and improve service while creating world-class highly efficient operations. This is a remote position. Ideal candidates should reside in the Northeast or Midwest.
Qualified candidates MUST have strong plastic bottle manufacturing experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Building on current platforms and manufacturing philosophy to drive world-class manufacturing capability.
- Developing/implementing best-in-class processes that support meeting all customer commitments, lowering cost, reducing changeover times, eliminating waste, creating a flexible asset base and driving a continuous improvement culture.
- Driving excellence and optimization by re-engineering operations for profitability through the continued implementation of Lean practices, specifically in manufacturing, technology, and engineering.
- Assessing talent and building a strong team while developing new capabilities in the operations organization, especially in the fields of technical leadership, manufacturing flexibility and quality.
- Partnering with Supply Chain team to establish and drive working capital improvement programs, optimizing scheduling to minimize cost and inventory while ensuring flawless customer service.
- Improving quality/uniformity and equipment reliability in an environment of highly complex, high speed manufacturing operations.
- Establishing and driving achievement of Performance Metric goals/objectives.
- Analyzing the needs and optimal use of capital resources as well as efficient deployment of such resources.
- Continual review of manufacturing footprint for optimization of product delivery to the customer.
- Ensuring strong delivery to Market of growth projects.
- Communication of complex opportunities, delivered as manageable and executable pieces.
- Handling of multiple issues simultaneously, determining priorities and resources – we have a wide-reaching geography with multiple centralized support functions and the right leader must have the ability to discern key actions and drive them to closure.
- 75% travel is required.
Qualifications
- Director of Operations are required to interact with other managers, employees, vendors, and customers. Therefore, the following skills and proficiency are also essential requirements of the position:
- A Bachelor’s Degree and/or related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- A minimum of 12 years operational leadership experience in manufacturing preferred.
- Multi-site management is required
- 5+ years’ experience in leading all parts of operations including manufacturing, engineering, quality, conversion, and distribution. Deep knowledge of contemporary tools, manufacturing processes, warehouse and shipping best practices, and supply chain information systems is a must.
- Exceptionally strong communications and influencing skills, drive, sense of urgency, energy level, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to teach/transfer the skills to their team will be critical for their success.
- Ability to drive change through education, respect and collaboration will be critical.
Requirements: 5+ years of experience as a Project Manager, 7-10 years preferred. Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical or civil engineering or Business Administration is preferred but not required. Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage budget, vendors and schedule. Basic working knowledge of AutoCad, Solidworks, or similar software and ability to decipher engineered drawings Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to effectively manage teams and collaborate at all levels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and with Microsoft Projects or other scheduling software. Travel to client sites (potential of up to 20 weeks/year) One direct report employee Responsibilities: Project Management: Lead and manage the overall project, including overseeing schedule, budget and internal and external resources. Contract Management: Understand and meet customer expectations. Know the contract requirements and timely communicate and document any deviations from the contract. Timelines and Budgets: Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets, ensuring milestones are met and expenditures remain within approved limits. Coordinate with Other Departments: Work with Engineering management to schedule resources and meet deadlines. Stay ahead of internal and external construction crews to facilitate efficient installation of equipment. Work closely with accounting to maintain budget. Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure all installations meet industry standards and project requirements. Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Address issues and concerns in a timely manner. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges to project success and develop strategies to mitigate them. Documentation: Maintain thorough and accurate records of project activities, including progress reports, change orders and as-built drawings. Team leadership: Motivate and manage the rest of the team, providing guidance and support to ensure the work is completed safely, efficiently and according to schedule. This position reports to the Director of Operations.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or Accounting or APICS or ISM certification is required or equivalent combination of experience and education Certification for purchasing or supply chain professionals required 8 - 12 years of relevant experience Proven experience in various processes as it relates to assigned commodity, i.e. CNC, injection molding, etc. Has technical knowledge regarding manufacturing processes of an assigned commodity and demonstrates experience with purchasing practices and processes in manufacturing and engineering environments Possesses understanding of commercial and FAR/DFAR Procurement rules, regulations and laws Ability to negotiate terms and pricing for materials and services is critical Proven understanding and intermediate usage of computerized MRP / ERP systems Demonstrates effective problem-solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel) Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience) Oracle experience strongly preferred APICS or ISM certification preferred Demonstrates ability to read and interpret technical drawings / specifications. Has effective problem-solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills; Demonstrates proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel) Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways Highly organized and strong coordination skills to meet deadlines Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Physical Demands Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) Regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard