Senior Director, Operations

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

401(k) plan

Flexible PTO

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Mesa Labs is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to oversee strategic, operational, and financial performance. Lead cross-functional teams, drive efficiency, and scale capabilities to meet corporate objectives.

The role requires extensive experience in operations leadership, Lean/Six Sigma expertise, and strong collaboration with executive leadership and external partners to ensure alignment with growth strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 12-18 years in operations management with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Lead day-to-day operations and optimize processes for efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Identify and implement best practices to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• Manage budgeting, resource allocation, and performance goals for scalability.
• Oversee KPIs and dashboards with real-time visibility into performance trends.
• Collaborate with other departments to align operations with business strategy.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Kaizen

ERP systems

CRM tools

Tableau

Power BI

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

• Annual bonus opportunity of 26% based on company performance
• Annual equity award of $37,500

Outstanding Benefits and Perks

We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the organization’s operations. Drives efficiency, scaling operational capabilities, improving performance, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve the company’s objectives. Work closely with executive leadership, department heads, and external partners to ensure the organization’s operational strategies are executed effectively and aligned with broader corporate goals.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Strategy:
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company objectives and ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
  • Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring processes and workflows are optimized for efficiency, quality, and compliance.
  • Identify and implement best practices to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Establish long-term operational plans that support scalability and future business needs, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance goals.
  • Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with department heads, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of company strategies.
• Develop talent within the operations team through coaching, performance reviews, and career development initiatives.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the team and broader organization.
• Performance Management & Reporting:
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance, providing regular reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.
  • Oversee the development and management of performance dashboards, ensuring real-time visibility into operational metrics and performance trends.
  • Ensure operational targets are met or exceeded, addressing any performance gaps and implementing corrective actions as needed.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Budgeting & Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet operational goals.
  • Monitor and control operational costs, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Collaborate with finance and other departments to ensure financial objectives are met and align with overall company goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate closely with other departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Finance, IT, HR) to ensure seamless integration of operations with the broader business strategy.
  • Act as the operations subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and provide guidance on process improvements, scalability, and operational best practices.
  • Build relationships with external partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure operational needs are met and business objectives are achieved.
• Risk Management & Compliance:
  • Ensure operational activities comply with relevant industry regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies.
  • Identify operational risks and work proactively to mitigate them, including developing contingency plans for business continuity.
  • Lead initiatives related to health, safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring that operational activities adhere to all applicable standards.
• Change Management & Innovation:
  • Lead and manage organizational change initiatives to improve operational efficiency and adapt to evolving business conditions.
  • Foster a culture of innovation within the operations team, encouraging the exploration of new technologies, tools, and processes that can enhance operational performance.
  • Evaluate and adopt emerging trends in the industry to ensure the company’s operations remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12-18 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required

• Proven track record of managing large teams and cross-functional projects. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Deep knowledge of operational methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Agile. Certification in Six Sigma (Black Belt/Green Belt) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.), CRM tools, and business intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas to senior executives and stakeholders.

Physical Demands:

• Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
• Using computers: Typing and using office equipment.
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
• Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse.

Environmental Conditions

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary.
• Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

Base Compensation Range: $190,000 - $240,000/yr

*In addition, you qualify for:

• Annual bonus opportunity of 26% based on company performance
• Annual equity award of $37,500

Outstanding Benefits and Perks

We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial performance of the organization’s operations. Drives efficiency, scaling operational capabilities, improving performance, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve the company’s objectives. Work closely with executive leadership, department heads, and external partners to ensure the organization’s operational strategies are executed effectively and aligned with broader corporate goals.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Strategy:
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company objectives and ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
  • Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring processes and workflows are optimized for efficiency, quality, and compliance.
  • Identify and implement best practices to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Establish long-term operational plans that support scalability and future business needs, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance goals.
  • Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with department heads, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of company strategies.
• Develop talent within the operations team through coaching, performance reviews, and career development initiatives.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the team and broader organization.
• Performance Management & Reporting:
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational performance, providing regular reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.
  • Oversee the development and management of performance dashboards, ensuring real-time visibility into operational metrics and performance trends.
  • Ensure operational targets are met or exceeded, addressing any performance gaps and implementing corrective actions as needed.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Budgeting & Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet operational goals.
  • Monitor and control operational costs, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Collaborate with finance and other departments to ensure financial objectives are met and align with overall company goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate closely with other departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Finance, IT, HR) to ensure seamless integration of operations with the broader business strategy.
  • Act as the operations subject matter expert for internal stakeholders and provide guidance on process improvements, scalability, and operational best practices.
  • Build relationships with external partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure operational needs are met and business objectives are achieved.
• Risk Management & Compliance:
  • Ensure operational activities comply with relevant industry regulations, legal requirements, and internal policies.
  • Identify operational risks and work proactively to mitigate them, including developing contingency plans for business continuity.
  • Lead initiatives related to health, safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring that operational activities adhere to all applicable standards.
• Change Management & Innovation:
  • Lead and manage organizational change initiatives to improve operational efficiency and adapt to evolving business conditions.
  • Foster a culture of innovation within the operations team, encouraging the exploration of new technologies, tools, and processes that can enhance operational performance.
  • Evaluate and adopt emerging trends in the industry to ensure the company’s operations remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12-18 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required

• Proven track record of managing large teams and cross-functional projects. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Deep knowledge of operational methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Agile. Certification in Six Sigma (Black Belt/Green Belt) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.), CRM tools, and business intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas to senior executives and stakeholders.

Physical Demands:

• Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
• Using computers: Typing and using office equipment.
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
• Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse.

Environmental Conditions

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary.
• Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.