Director of Operations

Ciresiandmorek; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CiresiMorek is seeking a seasoned manufacturing operations leader to steer a complex organization in delivering safe, reliable, and cost-efficient performance. The role balances daily execution with long-term improvement initiatives, ensuring the team has the people, processes, and equipment needed to meet evolving business needs.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing, with experience across departments and potentially

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall performance
• Establish operating priorities and performance expectations that improve throughput, asset utilization, reliability, and customer service
• Build a strong leadership pipeline through coaching, succession planning, workforce development, and clear accountability
• Drive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving, standard work, performance management, and disciplined execution
• Partner across Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial functions to address constraints and support business objectives
• Develop operating, capacity, and capital plans that strengthen long-term competitiveness while maintaining strong execution against near-term commitments

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Strategic planning

People development

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related discipline

Job description

Core Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related discipline


• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience leading multiple departments, operating areas, or locations


• Background working within a union manufacturing environment

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership for a complex manufacturing organization with responsibility for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective performance. This leader will balance daily execution with longer-term improvement initiatives, ensuring the organization has the people, processes, and equipment necessary to meet evolving business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Lead manufacturing operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall performance


• Establish operating priorities and performance expectations that improve throughput, asset utilization, reliability, and customer service


• Build a strong leadership pipeline through coaching, succession planning, workforce development, and clear accountability


• Drive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving, standard work, performance management, and disciplined execution


• Partner across Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial functions to address constraints and support business objectives


• Develop operating, capacity, and capital plans that strengthen long-term competitiveness while maintaining strong execution against near-term commitments

CiresiMorek is a team of experienced industry professionals known for a hands-on, relationship-driven approach. Having completed 3,500+ searches, we are more than just headhunters; we are industry advisors behind every successful placement.

Confidentiality is guaranteed. Applications require a resume/CV with contact information.

Learn more about us at CiresiMorek.