Director of Operations

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory; Bolton (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory client in Maryland seeks a Director of Operations to lead the continued advancement of operational performance at a key manufacturing operation. This senior role combines strong plant operations experience with a passion for continuous improvement, people development, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will have broad responsibility for manufacturing performance while shaping strategy, strengthening processes, and supporting the organization’s

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record delivering improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPS, or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a complex manufacturing operation, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall performance.
• Partner with senior leadership to establish annual operating plans, budgets, priorities, and performance objectives aligned with broader business goals.
• Champion a strong safety culture and drive ongoing improvements in environmental, health, and safety performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, quality, and sustainable operational performance.
• Oversee and support key operational disciplines, including manufacturing and industrial engineering, process improvement, automation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Lead capital planning and investment strategies to improve capacity, productivity, technology, and overall plant performance.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and performance gaps and lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Establish meaningful KPIs and operating controls to measure performance, identify opportunities, and ensure accountability throughout the organization.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement principles across all levels of the operation, creating a culture of ownership and ongoing improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with commercial, finance, engineering, supply chain, and other business functions to support organizational objectives.
• Develop, coach, and engage leaders and employees while building organizational capability for future growth.
• Provide senior leadership with regular insight into operational performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business

Job description

Our client, a well-established and growing manufacturing organization based in Maryland, is seeking an accomplished Director of Operations to lead the continued advancement of operational performance at a key manufacturing operation.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a high-energy, results-oriented manufacturing leader who combines strong plant operations experience with a passion for continuous improvement, people development, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will have broad responsibility for manufacturing performance while helping shape strategy, strengthen processes, develop teams, and support the organization's continued growth.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a complex manufacturing operation, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall performance.
• Partner with senior leadership to establish annual operating plans, budgets, priorities, and performance objectives aligned with broader business goals.
• Champion a strong safety culture and drive ongoing improvements in environmental, health, and safety performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, quality, and sustainable operational performance.
• Oversee and support key operational disciplines, including manufacturing and industrial engineering, process improvement, automation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Lead capital planning and investment strategies to improve capacity, productivity, technology, and overall plant performance.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and performance gaps and lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Establish meaningful KPIs and operating controls to measure performance, identify opportunities, and ensure accountability throughout the organization.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement principles across all levels of the operation, creating a culture of ownership and ongoing improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with commercial, finance, engineering, supply chain, and other business functions to support organizational objectives.
• Develop, coach, and engage leaders and employees while building organizational capability for future growth.
• Provide senior leadership with regular insight into operational performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.

What You'll Need to Be Successful:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, including significant responsibility for plant or operational performance.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing operations and delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPS, or other continuous improvement methodologies, supported by certification and/or significant practical experience.
• Proven ability to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement and operational accountability.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering, process improvement, automation, and capital planning.
• Significant experience with environmental, health, and safety within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgets, P&L performance, cost management, and working capital.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and engage teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, Management, or a related discipline is preferred.