Director of Operations

Vaco; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco, a leading manufacturing organization, seeks a Director of Operations to oversee production activities, drive performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires strategic and hands-on leadership across manufacturing operations, focusing on production efficiency, quality, safety, cost management, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings extensive manufacturing leadership experience, with a track record in Lean principles, process improvement, and building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years manufacturing leadership experience in complex environments.
• 5+ years in custom/specialized manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proven Lean and continuous improvement track record.
• Experience with budgets, labor costs and expenses.
• Strong leadership and mentorship of managers and staff.
• Experience with ERP/MRP and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing departments.
• Lead and develop production managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Oversee daily production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Drive Lean initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Establish metrics for productivity, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
• Manage budgets, direct labor costs, overhead, and expenditures.
• Lead changes to improve processes and production capabilities.
• Promote workplace safety and ensure health and environmental compliance.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials to address challenges.
• Apply root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Evaluate staffing needs and training opportunities.
• Lead change management for new processes and systems.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Budgeting

ERP/MRP

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Problem solving

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Operations Management

Business Administration

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

A specialized manufacturing organization is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee production activities, drive operational performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. This position will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across manufacturing operations, with responsibility for production efficiency, quality, safety, cost management, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings extensive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within a custom or complex production environment, along with a demonstrated ability to implement Lean manufacturing principles, improve operational processes, and develop high‑performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing departments, ensuring production activities align with organizational goals and performance expectations.
• Lead and develop production managers, supervisors, and manufacturing personnel, establishing clear expectations and promoting accountability.
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, workflow management, and resource allocation.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance.
• Establish and monitor operational performance metrics related to productivity, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
• Manage manufacturing budgets, direct labor costs, overhead expenses, and other operational expenditures to support profitability objectives.
• Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, resolve operational challenges, and strengthen production capabilities.
• Promote a culture of workplace safety and ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials, and other departments to improve coordination and address production challenges.
• Apply root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to resolve recurring operational issues.
• Evaluate staffing needs, workforce capabilities, and training opportunities to support current and future production requirements.
• Lead change management efforts and support the implementation of new processes, systems, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning, operational priorities, and long‑term business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for managing production teams and operational performance.
• 5+ years of experience within a custom, complex, or specialized manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing manufacturing budgets, labor costs, operational expenses, and other financial performance measures.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and production personnel.
• Experience driving organizational change, improving production processes, and implementing operational efficiencies.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality management, and workplace safety requirements.
• Experience partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, and other operational departments to resolve complex production challenges.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in fast‑paced environments.
• Effective communication and leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build collaborative, high‑performing teams.

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