Director of Operations

ADP, Inc.; Shelby, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SAPA Transmission in Shelby Township, MI is seeking a Director of Operations to lead end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain activities for defense-focused transmissions. This role oversees supply chain, logistics, material planning, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure scalable, efficient operations.

You will drive operational excellence, manage KPIs, and collaborate with engineering, quality, finance, and program teams while ensuring compliance with ITAR and related defense

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations within manufacturing or defense-related environments.
• Strong experience leading supply chain, logistics, and material planning in a regulated organization.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFARS and other defense regulatory requirements.
• Experience driving Lean and Six Sigma process improvements.
• Experience developing and managing operational KPIs using data to drive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize supply chain and material planning functions, including demand planning and MRP execution.
• Lead logistics and inventory management strategies for inbound/outbound freight and warehousing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for supply chain performance and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, quality, finance and business teams.
• Provide strategic recommendations on capacity planning, supplier strategy, risk mitigation, and scalability.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support growth initiatives and strengthen supply chain resilience.
• Mentor and develop operations and supply chain leadership staff.

Skills

Supply chain

Logistics

Material planning

ERP/MRP

Lean Six Sigma

KPI management

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Operations

FullTime Management Shelby Township, MI, US

Job Overview:

SAPA Transmission, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the end-to-end operational functions for producing fully automatic transmissions for U.S. Army tracked vehicles. This role is responsible for overseeing supply chain, logistics, material planning, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that operations are efficient, scalable, and aligned with company goals. The Director of Operations will drive operational excellence, process optimization, and supply chain performance across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and optimize supply chain and material planning functions, including demand planning, MRP execution, supplier coordination, and management of long-lead materials to support program requirements.
• Lead logistics and inventory management strategies, including inbound and outbound freight, warehousing, and inventory optimization to balance cost, lead time, and service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain, logistics, and planning processes using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Develop and monitor key operational metrics (KPIs) for supply chain performance, material availability, inventory levels, and supplier performance; identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, quality, finance, and business teams to ensure operational processes align with customer requirements and business objectives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership related to capacity planning, supplier strategy, risk mitigation, and operational scalability.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards, ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulatory and customer requirements related to supply chain and logistics activities.
• Support business growth initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience.
• Mentor and develop operations and supply chain leadership staff supporting strategic initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in operations within a manufacturing or defense-related environment.
• Strong experience leading supply chain, logistics, and material planning functions in a complex, regulated organization.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, with experience using Microsoft Dynamics strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and other defense industry regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement initiatives using Lean and/or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience developing and managing operational KPIs and using data to drive decision-making.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• 6% retirement plan contribution by SAPA Transmission (regardless of employee contribution to 401k plan).
• Paid Holiday, Time Off (PTO), and sick time.
• Medical, Rx, dental, vision and life insurance benefits with minimal employee contribution.
• Short and long-term disability.

SAPA Transmission is an Equal Opportunity Employer