Director of Operations

Frederick Fox; Euclid (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick Fox in Ohio seeks a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing transformation, stabilize operations, and build sustainable systems for long-term excellence. The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record in turnarounds, developing high-performing teams, and implementing management systems that improve safety, quality, and productivity on the plant floor.

You will partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, finance, and HR to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading turnarounds and implementing Lean and daily management systems.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations with focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Identify performance gaps and develop strategies to improve efficiency and stability.
• Maintain visible floor presence and coach frontline teams.
• Drive root-cause analysis, action plans, and standards across operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and finance.
• Develop and mentor supervisors and operational leaders.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Operations / Supply Chain / Business

Advanced degree encouraged

Job description

Director of Operations

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead operational transformation within a manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on stabilizing operations, improving performance, and building sustainable systems that drive long-term operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished manufacturing leader with a proven track record of leading operational turnarounds, developing high-performing teams, and implementing management systems that improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance. This role requires a visible, floor-oriented leader who partners closely with supervisors and frontline employees to identify root causes, remove barriers, and deliver measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and operational performance.
• Evaluate current operations, identify performance gaps, and develop strategies to improve efficiency and operational stability.
• Build a culture of accountability through consistent leadership, coaching, and performance management.
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor to support teams, resolve operational challenges, and reinforce operational standards.
• Establish sustainable operating practices that deliver long-term improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead operational improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement and maintain daily management systems, including performance metrics, visual management, action tracking, and escalation processes.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action activities to eliminate recurring operational issues.
• Standardize processes and improve workflow efficiency across manufacturing operations.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage operational budgets and monitor key cost drivers, including labor efficiency, scrap, overtime, inventory, maintenance, and production costs.
• Develop business cases and prioritize capital improvement opportunities that support operational objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions to achieve operational goals.
• Analyze operational data to support informed business decisions and improve plant performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, planning, finance, and human resources to improve overall operational performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives that support production goals and organizational objectives.
• Foster strong communication between departments to improve execution and operational alignment.
• Support strategic planning and long-term operational initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and operational leaders.
• Build high-performing teams through accountability, training, and continuous development.
• Create an environment focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Lead organizational change initiatives while maintaining strong employee communication and support.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, financial performance, and people leadership.
• Proven success leading operational turnaround, transformation, or performance improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience implementing Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience establishing daily management systems, visual performance metrics, and operational accountability processes.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage employees at all organizational levels.

Preferred

• Experience within precision manufacturing, engineered products, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, energy, industrial manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, cost analysis, capital planning, and operational forecasting.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams within matrix organizations.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Operations Management.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications.