Director of Operations

PDC Machines; Souderton (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

PDC Machines, a leader in diaphragm compression systems and hydrogen refueling solutions, seeks a Director of Operations to drive world-class manufacturing performance. The role oversees Safety, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Engineering while shaping strategy and ensuring alignment with business goals.

Responsibilities include leading lean initiatives, improving KPIs, and building a strong leadership team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management.
• 10+ years in manufacturing operations with senior leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing software.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing operations, safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure KPIs, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Mentor quality engineers, technicians, and production staff.
• Manage supply chain activities and budget.
• Collaborate with engineering and sales to address customer needs.
• Foster DEI and build leadership pipeline.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Quality management

Supply chain management

Process improvement

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

PDC Machines, LLC is the world leading manufacturer of diaphragm compression systems and hydrogen refueling solutions. We are driving the global hydrogen energy ecosystem by providing cutting-edge hydrogen compression technology that enables consumers, industries, and companies to abandon gasoline engines in favor of zero-emission fuel cells.

Our mission is to lead the world’s advance to clean energy, and to progress the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. Our purpose is to have a positive lasting impact on the world, and we’re making it happen – for our community, for our planet, and for generations to come.

Since 1977, PDC’s compressors have been the preferred choice of industrial gas companies for use in specialty gas, oil & gas, chemical, petrochemical, research, and renewable energy. Over the last 20 years we have shifted our focus to hydrogen energy as a fuel of the future. Today we are a key supplier of state-of-the-art solutions for both industrial gas and renewable energy companies.

With sales and service offices in the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Australia, PDC provides world-class support. Our compressors are backed by a US-based team of factory service technicians, engineers, and a global support network to ensure maximum compressor uptime.

Job Description

The Director of Operations will be responsible for driving world class manufacturing performance using operational excellence and lean methodologies on all safety, quality, delivery, cost, people, and sustainability measures. This role's responsibilities include leading Supply Chain, Quality, Production and Manufacturing Engineering, putting efficient workflows in place to maximize productivity and performance. This senior management position involves overseeing the day-to-day operations, defining and implementing the operations strategy, structure and processes to ensure alignment with business goals. The Director of Operations ensures efficient management of resources, maintains quality control, and drives the team towards exceeding all performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, quality control, production efficiency and cost management.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve operational efficiency and increase profitability.
• Ensure that the company’s operations are aligned with key performance metrics (KPIs), safety, quality, on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization, leveraging lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to support product development and innovation to meet changing market demands and customer needs.

Quality Management:

• Oversee quality assurance processes to maintain and improve product quality standards, building quality into the process and ensuring root cause and corrective action methodology is implemented and maintained.
• Design, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) to align with industry standards like ISO 9001 and ensure systems and practices comply with customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards in areas such as health, safety, environmental impact, and labor practices.
• Manage, mentor, and train quality engineers, technicians, and production staff.
• Institute metrics that track incoming, internal & external quality performance, creating a culture that drives to root cause and implements corrective actions to continuously improve quality and customer experience.

Lean Manufacturing:

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy in partnership with the management team and key stakeholders.
• Drive the adoption and continuous improvement of lean manufacturing principles to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.

Team Management:

• Foster a positive, performance-driven company culture that promotes collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to meet their goals.
• Build a strong leadership pipeline and talent development strategy to ensure long-term organizational success.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the workforce, creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued.

Supply Chain Management:

• Develops appropriate supply chain strategy to maximize customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost.
• Directs and coordinates supply chain functions (strategic sourcing, planning, purchasing, inventory, shipping, receiving) through strategy, resource optimization, profitability maximization, and KPIs resulting in the maximization of customer satisfaction.
• Plans, manages, and coordinates all activities related to the sourcing and procurement of necessary materials and supplies needed to meet the changing levels of product demand.
• Manage inventory to optimize cash flow while ensuring adequate quantities to support execution.
• Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, vendors, and other external partners to negotiate favorable terms and ensure supply chain efficiency
• Ensures proper utilization of ERP system.
• Works with Finance to determine and set up effective intercompany transfers.

Budget Management:

Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.

Innovation and Technology:

• Stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and integrate new technologies to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Customer Focus:

• Work closely with engineering and sales teams to address customer feedback and ensure that production meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.

Skills:

• Proven track record in improving quality and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Successful creation and implementation of processes and procedures.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software and ERP systems.
• High Mix low volume experience preferred.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

PDC Machines is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Senior Director of Human Resources at 267-609-5414 or [email protected]. PDC Machines is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.