Director of Operations

PlayCore; Grants Pass (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PlayCore in Grants Pass, Oregon is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Leader to direct, optimize, and scale day-to-day plant production schedule execution, assembly workflow, and throughput to consistently exceed delivery, quality, and labor variance metrics.

The role partners with executive leadership on capacity planning and operational strategy, maintains oversight of manufacturing support functions, and leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure safety, quality, and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing management experience in a discrete manufacturing environment.
• 3–5 years in a senior plant operational leadership role overseeing multi-department operations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with metal fabrication, welding, coating processes, rotational molding, cnc machinery, and heavy assembly environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct, optimize, and scale day-to-day plant production schedule execution, assembly workflow, and throughput to consistently exceed delivery, quality, and labor variance metrics.
• Establish clear metrics (KPIs) and operational accountability across all production departments, maintaining high standards for on-time delivery (OTD) and scrap reduction.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term manufacturing capacity planning, facility workflow optimization, and operational strategy.
• Maintain active high-level oversight of broader manufacturing support functions, collaborating with Materials Management, Planning, and Purchasing leadership to align materials flow with shop-floor schedules.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

CNC machinery

Rotational molding

Welding

Coating processes

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct, optimize, and scale day-to-day plant production schedule execution, assembly workflow, and throughput to consistently exceed delivery, quality, and labor variance metrics.
• Establish clear metrics (KPIs) and operational accountability across all production departments, maintaining high standards for on-time delivery (OTD) and scrap reduction.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term manufacturing capacity planning, facility workflow optimization, and operational strategy.
• Maintain active high-level oversight of broader manufacturing support functions, collaborating with Materials Management, Planning, and Purchasing leadership to align materials flow with shop-floor schedules.

Manufacturing Execution & Operational Leadership

• Direct, optimize, and scale day-to-day plant production schedule execution, assembly workflow, and throughput to consistently exceed delivery, quality, and labor variance metrics.
• Establish clear metrics (KPIs) and operational accountability across all production departments, maintaining high standards for on-time delivery (OTD) and scrap reduction.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term manufacturing capacity planning, facility workflow optimization, and operational strategy.
• Maintain active high-level oversight of broader manufacturing support functions, collaborating with Materials Management, Planning, and Purchasing leadership to align materials flow with shop-floor schedules.

Cross-Functional & Peer Collaboration

• Work in close partnership with the Director of Facilities & Maintenance to support site-wide safety standards, maintenance schedules, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring operational alignment without disrupting ongoing facility programs.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering team to ensure design-for-manufacturability, seamless new product introductions (NPI), and rapid execution of engineering change orders.
• Serve as an operational bridge between manufacturing execution and executive leadership, supporting corporate operational initiatives and PlayCore manufacturing best practices as required.

Team Development & Leadership

• Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and professional development for plant supervisors, team leads, and production personnel.
• Cultivate a high-performing, accountable shop-floor culture that emphasizes craftsmanship, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Lead multi-department production meetings to align shift goals, eliminate operational roadblocks, and maintain transparent communications across all operational tiers.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related technical field.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive manufacturing management experience in a discrete manufacturing environment, with at least 3–5 years in a senior plant operational leadership role overseeing multi-department operations.
• Technical Acumen: Demonstrated familiarity with metal fabrication, welding, coating processes, rotational molding, cnc machinery, and heavy assembly environments.

Core Leadership Competencies

• Collaborative Leadership: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build strong cross-functional relationships across Engineering, Facilities, and Supply Chain teams.
• Business & Operational Acumen: Solid understanding of plant operational metrics, labor capacity planning, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; capable of articulating operational goals to floor teams and presenting business updates to executive leadership.

Disclaimer - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 541-955-9199 ext. 140 or [e-mail].

For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.