Director of Operations – Precision Machining Leader

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen); Oak Creek (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Owens Industries, a precision machining company, seeks a Director of Operations (Manufacturing) to lead the Oak Creek, Wisconsin facility. This hands-on role oversees production planning, scheduling, engineering coordination, and continuous improvement; you will develop a team of ~30 and drive safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering or related field, 7+ years of leadership in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, and strong knowledge of CNC,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of manufacturing operations leadership in precision machining or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience leading production, scheduling, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement.
• Proven success managing teams and driving performance in high-mix, low-volume environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, and quality systems.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; JobBOSS a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and development skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while focusing on quality and safety.
• Self-motivated leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations at Owens Industries' precision machining facility.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, workflow management, and operational execution.
• Ensure production goals, quality standards, and customer delivery commitments are consistently achieved.
• Manage and develop a team of approximately 30 employees across manufacturing and engineering functions.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration between production, engineering, quality, and leadership teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Utilize operational data and reporting tools to support decision-making and performance management.
• Monitor key operational metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support manufacturing engineering efforts, process improvements, and workflow optimization.
• Lead capacity planning and resource allocation activities to support business growth.
• Champion a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and industry quality standards, including AS9100 and other applicable certifications.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic operational initiatives.
• Support employee development, succession planning, and organizational growth initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for understanding, following, and implementing company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

CNC machining

Lean/Six Sigma

ERP/MRP systems

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business

Tools

JobBOSS

Job description

Owens Industries, a precision machining company, seeks a Director of Operations (Manufacturing) to lead the Oak Creek, Wisconsin facility. This hands-on role oversees production planning, scheduling, engineering coordination, and continuous improvement; you will develop a team of ~30 and drive safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering or related field, 7+ years of leadership in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, and strong knowledge of CNC,