Director of Operations

Pelican Products, Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) with company match

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Employee discounts on Pelican products

Job summary

Pelican Products, Inc. seeks a Director of Operations in Torrance, CA to lead manufacturing across shifts and drive safety, quality, and productivity improvements. You will partner with planning, quality, engineering, and supply chain to meet customer commitments and long-term objectives.

The role requires a leveraged leadership style, strong financial acumen, and expertise in Lean/Six Sigma to deliver sustainable results and cost improvements at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience across multi-shift environments.
• Proven track record in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience coaching leaders and building succession plans.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Direct manufacturing and related operations across all shifts, aligning with priorities and commitments.
• Establish standard work and management systems to drive consistent performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies for site objectives and growth.
• Manage capacity, staffing, materials, and resources to meet production needs.
• Coach Operations Managers and team leads to build leadership capability.
• Monitor KPIs, identify gaps, and lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives across functions.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

We're Hiring: Director Of Operations

Location: Torrance, CA

Company: Pelican Products, Inc.

Who We Are

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world's toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we've been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it's transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You'll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn't an option. If you're ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

What You'll Do:

Lead manufacturing operations across all shifts, build strong leadership teams, and improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost. Partner across the business to meet customer commitments, strengthen operational performance, and support long-term growth.

• Direct manufacturing and related operations across all shifts, ensuring alignment with business priorities, production plans, and customer commitments.
• Establish operating priorities, standard work, and management systems that support consistent performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support site objectives and long-term business goals.
• Manage capacity planning, labor requirements, materials, staffing, and resource allocation to meet production needs.
• Coach and develop Operations Managers, Supervisors, Team Leads, and production teams while building leadership capability and succession plans.
• Monitor key performance indicators, identify performance gaps, and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Partner with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, HR, and other functions to improve execution and resolve operational challenges.
• Manage operating budgets and performance, including labor efficiency, overtime, scrap, cost reduction, and resource utilization.
• Support capital planning, equipment improvements, and automation initiatives to improve productivity and operational capability.
• Lead operational changes and transformation initiatives while maintaining employee engagement and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, quality requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Communicate site performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience, including multi-shift operations and leadership through managers and supervisors in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success managing safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and customer service in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience developing high-performing teams, coaching leaders, and building succession plans.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Experience with capacity and labor planning, production scheduling, workforce planning, resource allocation, and performance management systems.
• Business and financial acumen, including operating budgets, labor costs, capital planning, and performance metrics.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Ability to lead change, manage competing priorities, solve complex problems, and deliver sustainable results.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Additional Information

• Location: Torrance, California
• Work Environment: On-site manufacturing leadership role
• Requires leadership presence across manufacturing shifts and close collaboration with site teams and cross-functional partners.
• Frequently performs standard physical activities, including standing, walking, sitting, and using hands and fingers to operate or handle objects.
• May be required to perform activities such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally, in accordance with job requirements.

What's In It For You:

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay / extra vacation purchase opportunities
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• 401(k) with immediate company match
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee discounts on Pelican products and gear
• Career growth opportunities across Engineering, Operations, and Product Development
• Work on products trusted by military personnel, first responders, industrial professionals, and explorers around the world
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams while influencing products from concept through production
• Established global brand offering premium products you'll be proud to support
• And more...