Manufacturing Operations Director – Lean & Growth

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

Job summary

Vaco is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee production activities, drive operational performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a specialized manufacturing environment. The role requires strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, focusing on efficiency, quality, safety, cost management, and team development.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive manufacturing leadership experience, with a proven ability to implement Lean principles, improve processes, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years in a custom, complex, or specialized manufacturing environment preferred.
• Lean manufacturing principles and CI methodologies experience.
• Experience managing budgets, labor costs, and operational expenses.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop managers and supervisors.
• Experience driving organizational change and improving processes.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality, and safety.
• Experience partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, and other departments.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing departments and align activities with goals.
• Lead and develop production managers, supervisors, and personnel with clear expectations and accountability.
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, including planning, scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation.
• Drive Lean and CI initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Establish and monitor metrics for productivity, quality, safety, cost, and delivery.
• Manage budgets, direct labor, overhead, and other expenses to support profitability.
• Lead initiatives to improve processes and production capabilities; resolve challenges.
• Promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials, and other departments to improve coordination.
• Apply root cause analysis and corrective actions to recurring issues.
• Assess staffing and training needs to support current and future production.
• Lead change management and implement new processes and systems.
• Partner with senior leadership on strategic planning and priorities.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Production planning

Budget management

Safety & compliance

Cross-functional leadership

ERP/MRP

Data-driven decisions

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Vaco is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee production activities, drive operational performance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a specialized manufacturing environment. The role requires strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, focusing on efficiency, quality, safety, cost management, and team development.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive manufacturing leadership experience, with a proven ability to implement Lean principles, improve processes, and