Manufacturing Operations Director: Lean Transformation

DSJ Global; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is seeking a strategic Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead a large multi-building campus, driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance. This executive will shape long-term initiatives, develop talent, and embed a high-performance culture across the organization.

The role requires a proven track record in transforming large manufacturing operations, influencing senior leaders to frontline staff, and delivering sustainable growth through Lean practices and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience within large-scale operations.
• Proven success leading facilities with 800+ employees and multiple production functions.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience driving operational transformation and organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, capital planning, and ROI analysis.
• Experience developing leaders and building high-performance teams.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, automation, and modern manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations for a large, complex production facility.
• Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people metrics.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and change management initiatives.
• Build, coach, and develop high-performing leadership teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, HR, and Finance to achieve business objectives.
• Lead capital investment planning and support major operational improvement projects.
• Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

Continuous improvement

Change management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial acumen

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

MBA

Tools

ERP systems

Automation

Modern manufacturing technologies

Job description

DSJ Global is seeking a strategic Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead a large multi-building campus, driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance. This executive will shape long-term initiatives, develop talent, and embed a high-performance culture across the organization.

The role requires a proven track record in transforming large manufacturing operations, influencing senior leaders to frontline staff, and delivering sustainable growth through Lean practices and