Operations Director: Greenfield Startup & Scale Leader

Mas Hvac, Inc.; Dayton (MN); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical vision and dental plans

Short-term and long-term disability

Group term life insurance

HSA and FSA options

401k matching

Education assistance program

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Company events

Job summary

Gradian, a Maple Grove, MN-based engineering-led thermal solutions company, seeks an Operations Director to launch a greenfield manufacturing site in Dayton, MN and to transform the existing operation for rapid growth. The role focuses on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash, driving a zero-harm culture and Lean excellence across both new and legacy sites.

You will lead startup, transformation, and scalable growth, while building a high-performing team and partnering with cross-functional

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role delivering large-scale launches.
• Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Deep knowledge of SQDCC performance management systems.
• Strong problem-solving with a data-driven mindset.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end startup of a new manufacturing facility with on-time commissioning.
• Transform a legacy operation into a scalable, process-driven site.
• Establish SOPs, workflows, and daily management routines.
• Drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Cash (SQDCC) targets.
• Recruit, develop, and coach a high-performing operations team.
• Plan aggressive capacity ramps and coordinate cross-functional expansion.

Skills

Leadership experience

Greenfield site startup

Lean manufacturing

SQDCC

Change management

Data-driven mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

Gradian, a Maple Grove, MN-based engineering-led thermal solutions company, seeks an Operations Director to launch a greenfield manufacturing site in Dayton, MN and to transform the existing operation for rapid growth. The role focuses on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash, driving a zero-harm culture and Lean excellence across both new and legacy sites.

You will lead startup, transformation, and scalable growth, while building a high-performing team and partnering with cross-functional