Director of Operations

Vaco; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco in Raleigh, NC seeks a Director of Operations to oversee production activities, drive performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate has extensive leadership experience in a custom or complex production environment, with a proven ability to implement Lean principles, improve processes, and develop high-performing teams.

This role partners with Engineering, Supply Chain, and QA to align priorities and deliver operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience including production teams.
• Experience in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and drive cost control.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, and QA.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing departments.
• Develop production managers, supervisors, and staff with clear expectations.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
• Establish KPIs for productivity, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
• Manage budgets, labor costs, overhead, and expenditures to support profitability.
• Lead initiatives to improve processes and production capabilities.
• Promote safety culture and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials, and other departments.
• Apply root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Evaluate staffing needs and training opportunities.
• Lead change management for new processes and systems.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and priorities.],
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Skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Change management

Problem-solving

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

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.