Director, Operations

Watlow-Electric-Manufacturin; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 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

Job summary

Watlow in Columbia, Missouri seeks 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.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Operations and partners with Business Units and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean principles at scale with hands-on transformation.
• Semiconductor/high-precision manufacturing environment experience.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD) in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with a data-driven approach to performance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives for the Columbia facility.
• Develop and coach a high-performing team; promote safety and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean transformation to streamline processes and improve throughput and OEE.
• Collaborate with Business Units and NPD to integrate new products into production.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to drive performance and Lean progress.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and industry standards and champion quality.
• Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with focus on efficiency and cost-reduction.
• Evaluate and introduce new technologies and methods to strengthen production capabilities.
• Lead site-level engagement initiatives aligning with Watlow’s strategy and values.

Skills

Lean principles

Analytical skills

Communication skills

NPI/NPD experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlow’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

#PoweredByPossibility

We are hiring a: Director, Operations

Watlow is seeking a Director of Operations to lead our Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, you will provide both 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 closely with Business Units, New Product Development, and executive leadership to align operational capabilities with business objectives.

This is a high‑impact opportunity for an experienced operations leader who thrives in complex, high‑tech manufacturing environments, is passionate about Lean transformation, and has the vision to build and develop high‑performing teams. If you are a hands‑on leader who drives accountability and continuous improvement from the shop floor to the executive table, we would love to connect with you.

What You’ll Do:

• Manufacturing Leadership: Lead all manufacturing operations to consistently achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across the Columbia facility.
• Team Development: Build, coach, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement at every level of the organization.
• Lean Transformation: Drive the application of Lean principles to streamline processes, improve throughput, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness — embedding behaviors, not just tools.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Business Units and New Product Development to ensure seamless integration of new products into production, aligning operational capabilities with innovation priorities.
• Performance Management: Establish and monitor KPIs to track performance, productivity, and Lean progress, using data to drive informed decisions and continuous improvement.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and industry standards, and champion quality through robust control measures and a culture of excellence.
• Financial Stewardship: Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return, identifying and pursuing cost‑reduction opportunities across products, processes, and projects.
• Technology & Innovation: Evaluate and introduce new technologies, systems, and methods to strengthen production capabilities and competitive positioning.
• Engagement & Culture: Lead site‑level engagement initiatives that align with Watlow’s purpose, vision, and strategy, promoting collaboration, trust, and open communication across leadership, teams, and stakeholders.
• Watlow Business System: Represent the site within the Watlow Business System (WBS) framework, ensuring consistent adoption of best practices across the organization.

What you’ll need to succeed?

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, with direct oversight of production, supply chain, engineering, and quality
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean principles at scale with hands‑on transformation experience, not just knowledge
• Semiconductor industry or similarly complex, high‑precision manufacturing environment experience
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD) in a manufacturing setting
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with a data‑driven approach to performance management and decision‑making
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (<10%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or Master Black Belt)
• Change management experience leading cultural transformations in complex organizations
• Background aligning and collaborating with front‑end design and development functions (BU, Sales, Engineering) to ensure linkage to the manufacturing setting
• Experience scaling operations in high‑growth or innovation‑driven industries

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well‑being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. T he Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits :

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail].