Director of Operations - Lean Manufacturing Leader

Frank Productions, LLC; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

401(k) plan with company match

Wellness incentives

Employee Personal Assistance Program

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Parental leave

Job summary

Watlow in Columbia, Missouri is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the Manufacturing Center of Excellence. You will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership across production, quality, safety, supply chain, and engineering to deliver world-class products and drive operational excellence.

As a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, you will partner with Business Units, New Product Development, and executive leadership to align operational capabilities with business

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations.
• Hands-on Lean transformation experience at scale.
• Semiconductor industry or similarly complex, high-precision manufacturing environment experience.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD) in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across the Columbia facility.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team with a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean transformation to streamline processes and improve throughput and OEE.
• Collaborate with Business Units and NPD to align production with innovation priorities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure regulatory, environmental and quality standards are met and champion excellence.
• Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments and pursue cost-reduction opportunities.
• Evaluate new technologies and methods to strengthen production capabilities.
• Lead site-level engagement initiatives aligning with Watlow's strategy and values.
• Represent the site within the Watlow Business System framework.

Skills

Leadership

Lean principles

Analytical skills

Communication

NPI/NPD experience

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

Job description

Watlow in Columbia, Missouri is seeking a Director of Operations to lead the Manufacturing Center of Excellence. You will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership across production, quality, safety, supply chain, and engineering to deliver world-class products and drive operational excellence.

As a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, you will partner with Business Units, New Product Development, and executive leadership to align operational capabilities with business