Operations Director- Manufacturing

Jabil; South Carolina; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Short Term Incentive Plan

Health insurance (Medical, Dental, VIs

401K match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Jabil is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead site operations, driving excellence in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people. The role oversees Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Test, Engineering and Facilities, shaping operational strategy and building high-performing teams to meet evolving customer demands in a complex, high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will partner with Business Unit leadership and customers, delivering continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• 8–15 years of manufacturing or operations experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role managing managers and multiple functions.
• Hands-on leader who drives culture and change in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Ability to influence customers, executives, and peers at all levels and build a safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operations Manager and functional managers with accountability for site performance 24/7.
• Design and adjust site organization to support growth and stability.
• Hire, develop, and retain senior leaders; partner with Talent Acquisition on criteria.
• Coach leaders on decision-making, performance management, and accountability.
• Align manufacturing and functions on shared priorities and resolve conflicts.
• Own succession planning and bench strength for critical leadership roles.
• Track turnover and organizational health; implement retention plans.
• Drive site goals cascading to the organization; manage KPIs and dashboards.
• Provide timely feedback based on data and floor observations.
• Lead site through ramps, escalations, and disruptions with focus and discipline.
• Turn corporate strategy into executable site plans and align capacity with demand.
• Oversee cost drivers and drive cost reduction and productivity improvements.
• Ensure compliance with policies and audits; promote continuous improvement and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Safety culture

Communication

Influence at executive level

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

SAP ERP/MES

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.

Jabil, Inc. is seeking a proven Operations Director to lead site operations and drive excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. With oversight of Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Test, Engineering, and Facilities, this leader will set operational strategy, develop high-performing teams, and ensure the organization has the capability and capacity to meet evolving customer demand. The Operations Director will also serve as a senior partner to Business Unit leadership and customers, driving continuous improvement and delivering sustainable operational results in a complex, high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environment.

What will you do?

Leadership and Organization

• Lead the Operations Manager and all functional managers as direct reports, with a single point of accountability for Site performance across all shifts (24/7 operations).
• Design and adjust the Site organization to support growth, ramps, and long-term site stability.
• Hire, develop, and retain senior leaders. Work with Talent Acquisition on capability requirements and selection criteria for management roles.
• Coach leaders on decision-making, performance management, and accountability.
• Align manufacturing and the functions on shared priorities, and resolve conflicts between them.

Talent Development and Succession

• Own succession planning and bench strength for critical leadership roles across the Site.
• Track turnover, engagement, and organizational health, and put retention and development plans in place.
• Make sure leadership development, training, and standard work are in place and working.
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Performance Management and Execution

• Set site goals tied to Business Unit and Sr Leadership and cascade them through the organization.
• Own the Site operating system: KPIs, dashboards, and tiered accountability reviews from the floor to site leadership.
• Give timely, direct feedback to leaders based on performance data and what you see on the floor.
• Make sure performance evaluations across the organization are accurate, fair, and on time.
• Lead the site through ramps, escalations, and disruptions while keeping focus and discipline.

Business Strategy and Customer Alignment

• Turn corporate and Business Unit strategy into executable site plans.
• Align manufacturing, test, and support capacity with customer requirements, demand forecasts, and financial targets.
• Represent the Site with customers in business reviews, audits, and escalations.
• Update Business Unit and senior leadership regularly on performance, risks, and improvement initiatives.

Financial and Resource Management

• Own the Site cost drivers (labor, overhead, and capital) and drive cost reduction and productivity improvements.
• Approve and manage headcount plans, capacity models, and capital investments with Finance.
• Make sure corrective actions are in place and tracked when cost, productivity, or delivery targets are missed.

Technical and Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, KPI management, and structured problem-solving (QRQC, RCA, Kaizen).
• Make sure standard work, procedures, and work instructions are effective, current, and followed in every function.
• Work with Engineering, Quality, and Test to improve process capability, yield, and customer satisfaction.
• Promote best practices and share learnings with other Jabil sites.
• Own Site compliance with Jabil policies, including Safety, Quality, Security, and Confidentiality, as well as regulatory and customer audits.
• Set the tone for a strong safety culture and make sure all health and safety requirements are followed.

How will you get here?

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8-15 years of manufacturing or operations experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership role managing managers and multiple functions.
• Hands-on leader who leads from the front and drives culture and change.
• Experience in a complex, matrixed, fast-paced manufacturing environment (EMS preferred), including site ramps or large-scale growth.
• Ability to influence customers, executives, and peers at all levels.
• Strong safety mindset and a record of building a safety culture.
• Working knowledge of operational metrics, labor and capacity planning, financial management, and continuous improvement tools.
• Proficiency with Workday, SAP (ERP/MES), and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to be on the floor and flex across shifts as the business requires.

BENEFITS PACKAGE WITH JABIL

• Competitive base salary
• Short Term Incentive Plan
• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with HRA and HSA options
• 401K match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life, AD&DJBL TA - Job Requisition Process Status, and Disability Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Adoption Assistance
• Annual Merit Increases
• Community Volunteer Opportunity

Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accessibility Accommodation

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to [e-mail] or calling 727-803-7988 with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.
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