Director of Operations – Multi-Site Lean Growth

Smiths Group; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, Dental & Vision insurance

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Flexible spending account (FSA)

Health savings account (HSA)

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

DRC Heat Transfer in Melrose Park, IL is seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing strategy across multiple sites in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The role drives Lean and continuous improvement, ensures on-time delivery, and maintains strong safety and cost controls.

The position reports to the leadership team and requires P&L accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and growth-focused leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 7–10 years leadership in manufacturing operations.
• Experience leading multi-site, high-growth plants.
• Proven success with Lean, CI, and change initiatives.
• P&L, capital planning and capacity expansion experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain full P&L responsibility for operations.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies.
• Oversee master production schedule for on-time delivery.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Data-driven decision making

Travel between facilities

Change leadership

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

7–10 years leadership in manufacturing

Job description

DRC Heat Transfer in Melrose Park, IL is seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing strategy across multiple sites in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The role drives Lean and continuous improvement, ensures on-time delivery, and maintains strong safety and cost controls.

The position reports to the leadership team and requires P&L accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and growth-focused leadership.