Director of Operations Transformation

Korn Ferry; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 173,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

nVent is seeking an Executive to own the enterprise manufacturing network optimization across a global multi-site network. You will lead planning and execution of change programs, coordinating across Engineering, Quality, IT, EHS, HR, and Finance to drive cost, cash, and service outcomes.

The role requires 10–12+ years in manufacturing/ops, strong ERP/MRP knowledge, and proven leadership of large transformations in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and analytics are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 10-12+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, industrial engineering, or supply chain.
• Proven experience leading complex manufacturing transformations, production realignments, or enterprise operational initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, capacity planning, layouts, and cost drivers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional programs with accountability for service, cost, cash, and schedule.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and executive presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of ERP/MRP systems and the role of IT in manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into insights and actions.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in fast paced environments

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the enterprise manufacturing network optimization strategy.
• Run end-to-end manufacturing change programs — equipment redeployment, production realignment, capacity planning, inventory management, and operational readiness.
• Partner with Finance to model cost, cash, and productivity outcomes and ensure accurate value tracking.
• Maintain strong service and delivery performance through dual-run strategies, bridge inventory, and proactive risk management.
• Coordinate dependencies across Engineering, Quality, IT, EHS, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of changes.
• Provide clear, consistent communication to leadership through dashboards, steering committee updates, and program reviews.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Supply Chain/Business

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

ERP / MRP systems

Job description

nVent is creating a single, enterprise-wide owner for its global manufacturing network — a mandate that pairs strategic network design with direct accountability for cost, cash, and service outcomes.

Why this matters: multi-site manufacturing change usually gets split across plant GMs and project teams. This role consolidates that authority into one operator, reporting through steering committees to senior leadership.

• Leads planning and execution of the full manufacturing network optimization strategy — not a single plant or project.

Eight functions to orchestrate

• Coordinates Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, IT, EHS, and Quality to keep change programs on track.
• Reports program health straight to leadership via dashboards, steering committee updates, and program reviews.

The Mandate

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the planning and execution of the enterprise manufacturing network optimization strategy.

Program Execution

• Run end-to-end manufacturing change programs — equipment redeployment, production realignment, capacity planning, inventory management, and operational readiness — while building project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk registers for multi-site initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to model cost, cash, and productivity outcomes and ensure accurate value tracking.

Service Continuity

• Maintain strong service and delivery performance through dual-run strategies, bridge inventory, and proactive risk management.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate dependencies across Engineering, Quality, IT, EHS, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of changes.

Facility Readiness

• Support layout adjustments, utilities planning, regulatory and quality validations, and customer qualification requirements.

Executive Communication

• Provide clear, consistent communication to leadership through dashboards, steering committee updates, and program reviews.
• Drive disciplined change management and alignment with cross-functional teams.

Candidate Profile

CORE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• 10-12+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, industrial engineering, or supply chain
• Proven experience leading complex manufacturing transformations, production realignments, or enterprise operational initiatives
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, capacity planning, layouts, and cost drivers
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional programs with accountability for service, cost, cash, and schedule
• Excellent communication, influencing, and executive presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of ERP/MRP systems and the role of IT in manufacturing environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into insights and actions
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in fast paced environments

PREFERRED / DIFFERENTIATORS

• MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Experience with global, multi-site manufacturing networks
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Background in manufacturing network design, operational strategy execution, or transformation PMO leadership

About nVent

nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions, designing, manufacturing, marketing, installing, and servicing high-performance products that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings, and critical processes.

Core values that shape the culture:

• Innovative & adaptable
• Dedicated to absolute integrity
• Focused on the customer first
• Respectful and team oriented
• Optimistic and energizing
• Accountable for performance

nVent encourages and supports the philanthropic activities of employees worldwide, and through the nVent in Action matching program, provides funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where employees volunteer or donate.

Compensation

$172,900.00 - $257,000.00

"nVent's pay scale is based on the expected range of base pay for this job and the employee's work location. Employee pay within this range will be based on a combination of factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and performance. Where federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements exist, employee pay will comply."

Depending on the position offered, the employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual incentives.