Director of Operations

Bodycote; Fountain Inn (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodycote is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee performance across North American facilities. The role provides cross-site leadership, alignment with global standards, and drives continuous improvement, operational discipline, and strategic execution.

The regional leader links global strategy to site-level execution. Responsibilities include leading cross-site initiatives, developing leadership talent, and deploying global strategies with stakeholders while ensuring safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business.
• 10–15 years of manufacturing/industrial operations experience, multi-site leadership.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred; strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with site leadership to drive achievement of operational KPIs and P&L objectives.
• Monitor site performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead regional performance reviews with VP and site leadership to align on goals.
• Drive standardized processes, tools, and systems across facilities (procurement, SIOP, capacity planning).

Skills

Operational leadership

KPI management

Lean Six Sigma

Change management

Strategic execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Job description

Our people are the heart of our business. As the world’s largest provider of thermal processing services, Bodycote employs thousands of highly skilled staff around the globe, including some of the best engineers, scientists, and technicians in the industry. Come join our team!

Due to the nature of our business and a heavy industrial market, Bodycote deems this position to be safety-sensitive.

Summary

The Director, Operations is responsible for overseeing operational performance and execution across assigned facilities in North America. This role provides cross-site operational leadership, ensures alignment with global standards, and drives initiatives related to consistency, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The Director, Operations functions as a key link between global strategic direction and regional/site-level execution.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

The primary duties consist of, but are not limited to the following.

• Partner with site leadership to support and drive achievement of operational KPIs and P&L objectives
• Monitor and assess site performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Facilitate regional performance reviews in collaboration with the Vice President and site leadership
• Drive consistency across facilities through implementation of standardized operational processes, tools, and systems; examples include but not limited to procurement/supply chain, SIOP, and capacity planning
• Lead cross-site initiatives to share and embed best practices related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Develop and lead continuous improvement efforts across the region in partnership with the broader operations and operational excellence organizations
• Support site teams in executing CI projects, tracking results, and ensuring sustainability of improvements
• Act as the regional operations lead for deployment of global strategies, systems, and programs
• Ensure consistent execution of capital projects, digital tools, and operational transformations in coordination with stakeholders; partner closely with site leadership and supporting technical project management teams
• Support and drive site leadership in developing operational leadership talent and building succession plans
• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance feedback to site operations leaders; drive accountability and ownership with site leadership teams
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business
• Minimum of ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including multi-site leadership; experience within heat treating preferred
• Strong knowledge of operational KPIs, cost management, and performance improvement methodologies
• Experience working within a matrixed and global organization
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaborate across functions and geographies
• Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions, evaluate people, manage conflicting priorities; ability to positively influence management and the capability to work effectively with all levels of the organization
• Process and detail oriented, including strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to balance strategic alignment with operational execution
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Credibility and trust with site leaders and cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of driving measurable operational improvements
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational discipline
• Collaborative team player with proven ability to drive change in an effective and participative manner
• Must be self-directed individual capable of multi-purpose activity
• Ability to travel within North America (up to 50%)

Physical & Mental Demands

The following physical and mental demands consist of, but are not limited to the following.

• Must be able to work in a sitting/standing position for extended periods of time in an office/industrial environment
• Manual dexterity to perform data entry functions
• Ability to bend, pull, stoop and reach to perform functions
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, files, etc.
• Ability to hear in person and via phone

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of the work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. Bodycote reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Bodycote is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against current and prospective employees based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age for individuals over forty years of age, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

Our services are a vital part of many manufacturing processes. We make metal stronger, more durable, and more corrosion resistant. Servicing local and international clients from highly accredited facilities our experience and expertise ensures we deliver to the quality and reliability demanded by the markets we serve and the products we deliver.