RLS LLC
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway- you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.
Company: Rapid Locking System (RLS)
Job Title: Director of Operations
Location: Hazelwood, MO (On-Site)
Who We Are
RLS is part of Marmon Plumbing and Refrigeration. They revolutionized the HVAC and refrigeration industries when they introduced their press-to-connect fittings back in 2015. Now they have over 15 million installations globally, and their known for reliable solutions in high-pressure HVAC/Refrigeration situations.
As part of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, RLS combines the close-knit partnership of a smaller business with the resources and connectivity of a global organization. Here, people are encouraged to do work that matters, lead at every level, and win a better way through collaboration, continuous improvement, and meaningful results.
What You'll Do
As the Director of Operations, you will act as a key executive leader responsible for directing all manufacturing operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring strong alignment between production, engineering, quality, and supply chain functions. This position plays a critical role in shaping operational strategy, improving performance, and developing scalable systems that support growth.
- Provide executive oversight of all plant operations across multiple shifts to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met.
- Partner closely with engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership teams to achieve seamless production execution.
- Build and sustain a culture of accountability, high performance, safety, and 5S excellence.
- Lead long‑term capacity planning, workforce development, and operational strategy.
- Champion Lean methodologies to eliminate waste, improve flow, and enhance operational performance.
- Guide teams in applying Kaizen, 5 Whys, value stream mapping, standardized work, and visual management practices.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that support daily management and strategic improvement goals.
- Drive a continuous improvement mindset at all levels of the organization.
- Oversee process engineering initiatives that standardize workflows, reduce variability, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Implement systems and processes that improve production planning, efficiency, and product flow.
- Ensure operational processes are designed for quality, repeatability, and safety.
- Make strategic and operational decisions related to production, scheduling, resource allocation, process improvements, and capital planning.
- Evaluate capital investment needs and support business cases for equipment, facilities, and technology upgrades.
- Lead cost‑control strategies tied to labor efficiency, scrap reduction, maintenance performance, and operational improvements.
- Oversee operations budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
- Approve capital expenditures, operational investments, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Monitor key cost drivers and lead actions to improve financial performance.
- Direct leadership of plant operations teams, including production managers, supervisors, and leads.
- Oversight of continuous improvement, process engineering, and operational support functions.
What You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years' experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment.
- In-depth knowledge and practical experience with lean manufacturing, automation technologies, and 5S principles.
- Extensive leadership experience in manufacturing operations and multi‑shift production environments.
- Strong expertise in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Proven ability to lead plant‑level and group‑level process improvement initiatives.
- Experience driving large‑scale operational projects such as plant optimization or workflow redesign.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to build high‑performing teams and influence operations across multiple organizations within a corporate group.
What You'll Gain
You will join a team where your contributions can make a visible difference. In addition, eligible employees may receive:
- Competitive compensation aligned with the role, experience, and location.
- Medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage.
- A 401(k) plan with company match.
- Opportunities to learn, build new skills, and contribute to meaningful business results.
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or require