Director of Operations

Pacific International Executive Search; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International is partnering with a world-leading manufacturer in automotive, composites and mobility to recruit a senior operations leader for one of its largest global sites, overseeing 1000+ FTE and guiding safety, operational excellence and digital strategies.

The role offers a clear pathway to C-Suite leadership through a long-term development program and requires proven success in leading complex manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement, and building high-performing

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing; 7+ years of experience in people leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality or related technical field.
• Experience in best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Operational Excellence).
• Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing operations, including multi-line, continuous, discrete, or semi-continuous environments.
• Extensive experience within complex manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead site manufacturing end to end including operations, engineering, capital projects, quality, and safety.
• Drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance metrics.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional leadership team.
• Champion continuous improvement, operational excellence, and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Partner with senior leadership to execute long-term business and operational strategy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support customer success and business growth.
• Manage site operating budgets and contribute to broader business performance and profitability goals.
• Sponsor capital investment, capacity expansion, and site growth projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and employee engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operational excellence

Change management

Stakeholder influence

People development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality or related technical field

Job description

Pacific International is partnering with a world leading manufacturer within automotive, composites and mobility ($25bn+). They are looking for a senior operations leader for one of their largest global sites (1500 FTE). This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving safety, operational excellence, and digital strategies while leading a well-established manufacturing operation through its next phase of growth. You would be directly responsible for 1000+ FTE and manage highly complex manufacturing lines.

This role is part of a long-term development program where there is a clear pathway to C-Suite leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Will lead site manufacturing end to end including operations, engineering, capital projects, quality, and safety
• Driving key metrics such as safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional leadership team.
• Champion continuous improvement, operational excellence, and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Partner with senior leadership to execute long-term business and operational strategy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support customer success and business growth.
• Manage site operating budgets and contribute to broader business performance and profitability goals.
• Sponsor capital investment, capacity expansion, and site growth projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and employee engagement.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing; 7+ years of experience in people leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality or related technical field
• Experience in best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Operational Excellence)
• Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing operations, including multi-line, continuous, discrete, or semi-continuous environments.
• Extensive experience within complex manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.

About Pacific International:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Pacific International Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering, and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

For further information, please contact [e-mail]