DVP - Manufacturing Operations

Dale Workforce Solutions; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dale Workforce Solutions is seeking an experienced operations leader to direct global manufacturing and service delivery, align with client strategies, and drive performance across cost, quality, and delivery. This role requires hands-on leadership on the shop floor and close collaboration with finance, HR, and senior management.

You will champion lean methods, JIT, and continuous improvement, lead talent development, manage budgets, and report progress to customers.

Qualifications

• Hands-on operations management leadership experience in manufacturing or similar industries.
• Experience in low-volume, high-mix environments preferred (electronics/precision).
• Proven ability to develop and execute lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead global operations and align with client strategic objectives and performance targets.
• Develop and implement lean roadmaps; apply JIT and continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets and control expenses; drive cost, quality, and delivery improvements.
• Collaborate with finance, HR, and senior management; oversee talent development.
• Prepare and present performance reports to customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

AI tools

Project management

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead global operations to align with our client's strategic objectives and drive overall business performance
• Participate in the development and execution of business strategy, ensuring readiness to support key objectives
• Establish operational strategies, objectives, capital requirements, and material and labor plans to meet customer needs

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Drive world-class safety and quality standards with a zero-incident mindset and strict compliance
• Ensure organizational capability, resources, and structure meet customer quality, technical expectations, and turnaround requirements
• Maintain control over quality, quantity, cost, timeliness, and applicability of all materials

Performance & Financial Management

• Manage and control expenses in alignment with the approved budget
• Meet or exceed performance targets across sales, profit, turnaround time, employee and facility effectiveness, and safety
• Manage operational metrics and drive improvements in cost, quality, and delivery

Lean & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement a lean roadmap to advance world-class lean adoption
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across facilities, establishing metrics, tools, and measurement systems to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and communication
• Apply best practices such as Lean manufacturing and Just-In-Time (JIT) to support operational excellence

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure customer requirements are met, optimizing product value and delivering on-time performance
• Coordinate and present performance reports to customers
• Build strong relationships internally and externally to support business goals

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead people management processes, including hiring, staffing, and performance management
• Provide feedback to leadership on talent needs and organizational capabilities required for operational improvement
• Support development and cross-training of technical staff and support teams

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, other technical discipline, or business-related field (required).
• Proven record of success as a hands-on operations management leader with at least 810 years of related experience.
• Experience in production/manufacturing management in a low-volume, high-mix product environment, preferably in electronic assembly, semiconductor manufacturing, or similar precision industries.
• P&L experience in managing working capital, variable costs, and expenses.

Technical Skills

• Extensive knowledge and experience in successfully implementing and leading world-class lean operations; prior work experience in organizations recognized as lean leaders is a plus.
• Exposure to continuous improvement best practices, including Lean manufacturing and JIT, to achieve operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of operational metrics and ability to drive improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication skills (both written and oral) with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Must be self-directed, able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to relationship-building, both internally and externally.
• Strong customer relations skills.

Working Environment

• Office-based leadership role with frequent interaction across finance, operations, HR, and senior management.
• Regular engagement with production teams in light and heavy industrial settings, requiring hands‑on presence on the shop floor.
• Collaboration with international teams and occasional travel to intercontinental and international manufacturing sites.
• Fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment with shifting priorities and cross‑functional teamwork.
• Up to 25% travel to domestic and international sites.