Director of Operations

Director of Operations (Confidential – Manufacturing Environment) Location: Oxford, North Carolina Job Type: Full-Time | Salaried Exempt Overview A well-established and growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Director of Operations to join its executive leadership team. This role is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day oversight of manufacturing, maintenance, purchasing, and shipping functions. The ideal candidate will be a results-driven leader with a strong background in operational excellence, process improvement, and team development. This position plays a critical role in driving performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage cross-functional teams including manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, and plant personnel Develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies aligned with business objectives Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and quality enhancement Establish and monitor KPIs (productivity, scrap, rework, on-time delivery) and implement corrective actions Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and industry regulations, including ISO 9001:2015 standards Oversee plant operations in alignment with company policies and procedures Direct supply chain activities including sourcing strategy, vendor selection, and contract negotiations Manage budgeting, cost controls, and financial performance of operational departments Conduct ROI analysis for capital expenditures (equipment, tooling, etc.) Lead workforce planning efforts including hiring, training, development, and succession planning Partner with engineering on new product development and process implementation Promote accountability through clear performance expectations and leadership practices Additional Duties Analyze and improve business processes to enhance operational efficiency Conduct performance evaluations and lead employee development initiatives Facilitate team meetings to communicate goals and review performance Maintain accurate production data, including cycle times and capacity planning Support cross-functional initiatives that drive business growth Qualifications Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Experience with MRP/ERP systems Proven success with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies Solid understanding of cost accounting and financial analysis Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and drive measurable results Knowledge of automotive-based quality systems preferred Strong understanding of machining and assembly operations Ability to analyze production capacity, cycle times, and constraints Willingness to travel up to 15% (domestic and international) Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) Minimum 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment Minimum 7+ years of leadership experience with direct accountability for operational performance Why This Opportunity? Executive-level visibility and impact Opportunity to drive meaningful operational improvements Collaborative leadership environment Competitive compensation and benefits package