Director of Operations

Schupan; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

PTO 16+ days first year

401(k) with match

Medical, dental, and vision

Job summary

Schupan is seeking a Director of Operations for Kalamazoo, MI. This role leads daily operations across multiple facilities, drives continuous improvement, mentors leaders, and aligns processes with customer quality standards.

You will manage budgets, oversee safety, and build cross‑functional teams to achieve profitability and sustained performance. The position emphasizes demonstrated Lean/CI mindset, staff development, and strategic direction setting, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or an industry-relevant field.
• 10+ years' experience leading an operations team.
• Lean and Continuous Improvement mindset applied throughout all areas of responsibility.
• Knowledge of production processes, quality control, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and communicates the strategic direction of company operations and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to assure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Aligns internal quality benchmarks with those of strategic customers to ensure mutual standards are met.
• Directs daily operations across the Davis Creek, Toledo, and Dayton facilities, with primary oversight based at Davis Creek.
• Mentors and coaches direct reports and emerging leaders, building bench strength and supporting long-term career development across the operations team.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Builds strong, trust-based relationships across departments, customers, and all levels of the organization to drive alignment and results.
• Establishes clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and recognizes achievements, fostering accountability among team members and improving productivity and quality standards.
• Monitors and manages budgets, financial performance, and operational metrics to achieve and exceed business objectives.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains management-level staff; provides performance evaluations and handles discipline and termination needs.

Skills

Leadership

Lean & CI mindset

Mentoring & coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Public speaking

Influence others

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or industry-relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

1st Shift | Kalamazoo, MI | Full-Time | Compensation commensurate with experience

We have been building sustainable material solutions since 1968. At Schupan, you will find a people-first culture, opportunities to grow, and competitive pay — all while being part of a team working toward a more resourceful future.

OUR CORE VALUES

Integrity | Compassion | Empowerment | Sustainability

What You Will Achieve

The Director of Operations is a dynamic leader, relationship builder, mentor, and coach who drives daily operations across Safety, Operational Excellence, Customer Experience, and Profitability — the core pillars of our manufacturing organization — while building an engaged, accountable team culture. This leader is the daily drum beat of continuous improvement through formal problem solving and mentorship.

How You Will Do It

• Establishes and communicates the strategic direction of company operations and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to assure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Aligns internal quality benchmarks with those of strategic customers to ensure mutual standards are met.
• Directs daily operations across the Davis Creek, Toledo, and Dayton facilities, with primary oversight based at Davis Creek.
• Mentors and coaches direct reports and emerging leaders, building bench strength and supporting long-term career development across the operations team.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Builds strong, trust-based relationships across departments, customers, and all levels of the organization to drive alignment and results.
• Establishes clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and recognizes achievements, fostering accountability among team members and improving productivity and quality standards.
• Monitors and manages budgets, financial performance, and operational metrics to achieve and exceed business objectives.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains management-level staff; provides performance evaluations and handles discipline and termination needs.
• Handles complex or difficult situations as directed.
• Travels by air, train, or car based on the most efficient and effective mode of travel to accomplish goals and objectives.

Basic Requirements

What We Need From You

• Bachelor's degree in business or an industry-relevant field
• 10+ years' experience leading an operations team
• Proven leader with a demonstrated track record of operational improvement and successfully leading large, cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated Lean and Continuous Improvement mindset applied throughout all areas of responsibility
• Knowledge of production processes, quality control, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacturing
• Ability to speak in front of large groups, including supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates
• Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions
• Ability to mentor, motivate, direct, and evaluate the work of others
• Strong active listening skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong informal influence — able to drive alignment, build buy-in, and achieve results across departments without relying on direct authority

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Routinely required to stand and walk; use hands to handle and feel; reach with arms and hands; as well as climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Specific vision requirements include depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to wear all necessary safety equipment
• Routinely works in a noisy (company-provided hearing protection required) and non-temperature-controlled environment
• Routinely works in an environment with gas-powered/other forklifts and machinery

What You Can Expect From Us

• Pay: Commensurate with experience
• Schedule: Full-Time, 1st Shift; primary oversight based at Davis Creek with regular travel to Toledo and Dayton facilities
• Weekly pay
• 16+ days of PTO within your first year
• 401(k) with match starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective the 1st of the month after hire
• HSA with company contribution up to $1500, FSA, and wellness premium discount
• Company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, and tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance, profit-sharing, ERN, and more

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION & BELONGING

Schupan is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse perspectives foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creative people and develop the best solutions for a more resourceful future. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We are also committed to an inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit an application, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Please include your full name, the role you're applying for, and the accommodation needed to assist you with the recruiting process. We ask that you only reach out if your disability prevents you from completing our online application.

Schupan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.