Director Manufacturing Operations

Standex International Corporation; Fairfield (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Standex International Corporation in Fairfield, Ohio is looking for a Director of Operations to oversee multi-site manufacturing and drive operational excellence. The position requires a seasoned leader with extensive experience in lean principles and process optimization.

This role demands strong analytical, leadership, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably a Master’s, and over a decade of experience in manufacturing leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in multi-site operations.
• Demonstrated success in lean deployment and Six Sigma.
• Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and quality regulations in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site manufacturing operations, ensuring operational excellence.
• Develop and manage manufacturing strategies for efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with teams to implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

Lean principles

Process optimization

Multi-site management

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Budget management

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Data analysis tools

ERP systems

Job description

What You'll Do

The Director of Operations for the Electronics Edge business will lead multi‑site manufacturing operations, driving operational excellence, efficiency, and alignment with business objectives. This role demands a seasoned professional with expertise in lean principles, process optimization, and multi‑site management. Collaborating closely with plant managers and cross‑functional teams, the Director will foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensure safety and compliance, and implement strategies to meet both current and future business demands.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies to enhance efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and product quality across Edge sites.
• Lead initiatives to drive Standex Electronics Core Value Drivers (CVDs) by setting and achieving operational improvement targets.
• Partner with functional leadership to deploy maturity models aligned with long‑term business objectives.
• Optimize the operational footprint and capacity by collaborating with the commercial organization to align roadmaps with future business requirements.

Operational Oversight

• Monitor and manage site performance metrics, including production output, cost control, safety, and quality.
• Ensure manufacturing sites comply with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.
• Drive a behavior‑based safety culture to promote safe practices throughout operations.
• Lead Lean Transformation, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to optimize manufacturing operations.
• Cultivate a culture of problem‑solving to foster continuous improvement.
• Drive capacity expansion and achieve productivity cost savings through lean transformation initiatives.

Budget & Project Management

• Develop and manage the manufacturing operations budget, ensuring cost‑effective solutions and financial discipline.
• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment projects, ensuring timely completion, budget compliance, and achievement of business outcomes.
• Align productivity improvements with strategic business objectives across multiple sites.

Team Development

• Provide mentorship and guidance to site leaders, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring and training employees at all organizational levels.
• Evaluate and ensure teams are properly structured and equipped to meet both immediate operational needs and long‑term business goals.
• Identify training and skill development needs, ensuring appropriate development plans are in place.

Capacity Planning & Risk Mitigation

• Evaluate production capabilities and implement strategies to meet customer demand and business growth.
• Proactively develop risk mitigation strategies to address supply chain disruptions, workforce challenges, and other potential risks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with supply chain, engineering, quality, and R&D teams to achieve business objectives.
• Serve as a liaison between operations teams and senior leadership to communicate progress and align priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers to enhance value streams.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize data‑driven decision‑making to assess the effectiveness of improvement efforts.
• Report progress and outcomes to stakeholders through presentations and documentation.
• Maintain transparency and accountability for key operational metrics.
• Identify and implement opportunities for technological advancements and automation to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and execute a strategy to transform manufacturing sites into future‑ready factories through automation and innovation.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, with a proven track record in multi‑site operations.
• Demonstrated success in lean deployment, Six Sigma, business process improvements, and operational excellence.
• Experience managing budgets, capital expenditures, and cost control initiatives.
• Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and quality regulations in manufacturing.
• Willingness and ability for regular travel to manufacturing sites (estimated 50-75%).

What We Value

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Exceptional leadership and team‑building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and compliance regulations.
• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership.
• The ability to influence and drive cultural change.
• Results‑oriented with a focus on measurable impact.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and collaborate with teams across global sites.
• Effective training and development capabilities across all organizational levels.
• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.