Director of Operations

Athena Executive Search; Cincinnati (OH); In loco; USD 180.000 - 240.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Paid holidays

Medical, dental,Vision insurance (day

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Company-paid life insurance

Descrizione del lavoro

Global Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee main site and an additional site, driving manufacturing performance, safety, and profitability. You will standardize processes, lead cross-site initiatives, and partner with functional teams to deliver value.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing with 5+ years in multi-site leadership, strong financial and lean experience, and willingness to travel regularly.

Competenze

• We are seeking a senior operator with proven multi-site leadership and a track record in specialty chemicals.
• Candidate should drive KPIs, cost control, and continuous improvement across sites.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or related quality systems is preferred.

Mansioni

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership to site Operations Managers across multiple locations.
• Own and deliver KPIs: cost per pound, OTIF, FTR, and working capital.
• Standardize processes and reporting across sites to align with divisional goals.
• Mentor site leadership, share best practices, and drive cross-site improvements.
• Collaborate with supply chain, finance, R&D, and commercial teams.

Conoscenze

Strategic leadership

Multi-site leadership

Lean manufacturing

Financial acumen

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in engineering/related

Strumenti

ERP/SCM systems

Descrizione del lavoro

Director of Operations, Global Specialty Chemicals Manufacturer (Multi-site role)

Join a Market Leader in the Global Chemical Industry

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a highly respected international business, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. Reporting directly to SVP level, you will play a pivotal role in leading operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement across the site.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced, results-oriented Director of Operations with direct overview of the the main site and accountability for an additional site to lead and optimize manufacturing performance in this division. This role is responsible for ensuring each site operates efficiently, safely, and profitably driving performance through standardization, strong leadership, and a disciplined focus on KPIs such as cost per pound, on-time in full (OTIF), first time right (FTR), and working capital.

The ideal candidate is a strategic operator with the ability to lead site managers, develop cross-site initiatives, and collaborate across functions (supply chain, quality, commercial) to deliver value to both the business and our customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership to site Operations Managers across multiple manufacturing locations


• Own and deliver key performance metrics:


• Cost per pound: Drive operational efficiency, waste reduction, and labor productivity


• OTIF %: Ensure schedule adherence and responsiveness to customer demand


• First Time Right (FTR): Partner with Quality and R&D to reduce rework and defects


• Working Capital: Monitor inventory levels, production reporting accuracy, and raw material flow


• Standardize processes, KPIs, and reporting across sites to align with divisional goals


• Develop, mentor, and hold accountable site leadership teams


• Identify and share best practices across sites to improve throughput, quality, and cost


• Collaborate with supply chain, finance, research and development labs, and commercial teams to align operations with demand and financial goals


• Lead cross-site operational reviews, audits, and continuous improvement efforts


• Support capital planning, equipment upgrades, and lean transformation initiatives


• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across all facilities

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 10+ years in manufacturing, with 5+ years in multi-site or senior plant leadership preferred


• Experience in batch manufacturing preferred (speciality chemicals, formulated products, or similar batch manufacturing environments)


• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making ability


• Deep knowledge of lean manufacturing, KPI systems, and process standardization


• Experience managing site-level P&L performance or influencing operational cost drivers


• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or related quality systems


• Proven leadership and team development experience


• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills


• Willingness to travel regularly between sites

What Success Looks Like

• Reduced and stabilized cost per pound across all sites


• Consistent OTIF > 95% and improving FTR performance


• Simplified, standardized operations across the network


• Engaged, accountable leadership at each site


• Improved responsiveness to customer demand and reduced lead times


• Lower working capital through tighter inventory and production control

WHY JOIN?

• Paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)


• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one


• Short-term and long-term disability benefits


• Competitive 401(k) plan with company match


• Company-paid life insurance

Join a global organization that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, where your work directly impacts customer success.