Director Operations

HEV; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Horton Emergency Vehicles in Grove City, OH is seeking a Director of Operations to lead production departments and manufacturing processes, setting strategic direction to deliver the highest quality ambulances while maximizing profitability. This role requires expert application of lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement in line with Horton’s mission and vision.

You will supervise Production Managers and hourly staff, plan daily operations, manage budgets for personnel and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years in a related manufacturing environment, preferably custom manufacturing.
• 7+ years in supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Lean principles experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directly leads and supervises a manufacturing team of Production Managers/Production Supervisors and hourly employees in all manufacturing processes.
• Sets strategic direction for the plant/facility in accordance with business goals and objectives; leads project activities and coaches staff.
• Plans and monitors day-to-day operations; prioritizes workflow to meet production schedules.
• Responsible for overhead and direct labor costs; manages budgets for personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Implements and sustains lean initiatives; acts as a change agent for continuous improvement.
• Champions health and safety programs; promotes a safety culture and compliance.
• Engages with Materials, Engineering, Sales Administration, and Product Management to resolve issues and drive corrective actions.
• Builds and mentors staff; identifies development and training needs.
• Evaluates procedures to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Problem solving

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP (Mapics ideal)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Since 1968 Horton Emergency Vehicles has built the industry’s most innovative ambulances for first responders risking their lives to save others. Horton designs, manufactures, and delivers the highest-quality, most tailor-made ambulances the market has to offer. Horton Emergency Vehicles is part of Terex Corporation, a global designer and manufacturer of specialized vehicles and equipment, including fire and emergency vehicles, waste and recycling equipment, RV's, and machinery supporting construction, utilities, and infrastructure. With operations across the U.S. and globally, we are committed to safety, innovation, and quality while building products our customers depend on every day.

Primary Functions

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading production departments and manufacturing processes for all operations at Horton Emergency Vehicles facility in Grove City, OH. The Director is accountable for setting strategic direction in operations to deliver the highest quality product while maximizing company profit in line with Horton’s mission and vision. This role requires expert knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles to drive continuous improvement in meeting company goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly leads and supervises a manufacturing team of Production Managers/Production Supervisors and hourly employees in all manufacturing processes in the business unit.
• Participates in company goal setting, deployment and strategic planning activities, typically detailing 1st level improvement initiatives and targets to improve. Sets strategic direction for the plant/facility in accordance with business goals and objectives. Leads project activities and directs, coaches, and employees on project execution to deliver results.
• Plans and monitors the day-to-day running of business operations. Prioritizes and manages the workflow within all departments to ensure timely and efficient task completion in accordance with the production schedule.
• Responsible for all manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs in the P&L related to production, maintenance, and others. Determines area budget goals for personnel, equipment, supplies and other cost elements to assure ongoing company profitability.
• Accountable for the implementation and sustainment of lean initiatives within areas of responsibility. Must be a change agent and ambassador for continuous improvement.
• Acts as the Safety Champion ensuring all Health and Safety programs and standards are met in the facility. Promotes a safety culture plus supports safety and environmental compliance and improvement activities.
• Communicates and interfaces with other senior leaders driving effective liaisons with other departments such as Materials, Engineering, Sales Administration, Product Management. Provides technical expertise for problem resolution and drives root cause and corrective actions.
• Builds and mentors direct and indirect reports and identifies staff development/training needs.
• Regularly evaluates the efficiency of business procedures according to organizational objectives and applies improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proven track record of developing and leading high performing teams with a focus on change management.
• Strong understanding and experience in the application of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with demonstrated team building and conflict resolution ability.
• Ability to think, act, and excel in high pressure, chaotic, or ambiguous situations.
• Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP/MRP (Mapics ideal), and other related software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and drive for results.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred
• 5 + years of related experience in a custom manufacturing environment, specialty vehicle experience preferred
• 7+ years in Supervisory or Leadership capacity
• Lean principals experience preferred

Physical demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40#’s.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and squat.
• Able to read and follow written and verbal instructions.

Work environment

• Indoor office
• Frequently on the plant floor

Personal protective equipment recommended and/or required

• Safety glasses, or prescription safety glasses with side shields
• Ear plugs
• Close-toed shoes required on plant floor

Notice for California residents

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Terex Purpose Video Terex Careers Video Terex Early Talent Video

Terex Corporation is a global leader in specialized equipment solutions, serving essential sectors such as emergency services, waste and recycling, utilities, and construction. Our diversified portfolio positions us in resilient, high-demand markets with strong long-term growth potential. We design and manufacture advanced specialty vehicles—including fire, ambulance, and recreational vehicles—alongside waste collection vehicles, materials processing machinery, mobile elevating work platforms, and equipment for the electric utility industry. Through our global dealer, parts and service network and true value-creating digital solutions, we deliver best-in-class lifecycle support, helping customers maximize return on investment. With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, Terex combines global reach with local expertise to capture opportunities worldwide. Our strategy is clear: exceed customer expectations, invest in innovation, leverage our diversified portfolio, and deliver consistent, profitable growth for our shareholders. For more information, please visit www.terex.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Terex Corporation is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. The Company conducts all employment practices without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran's status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Terex Corporation also undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunities for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for protected veterans.