Strategic Manufacturing Operations Leader

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory; Bolton (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory client in Maryland seeks a Director of Operations to lead the continued advancement of operational performance at a key manufacturing operation. This senior role combines strong plant operations experience with a passion for continuous improvement, people development, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will have broad responsibility for manufacturing performance while shaping strategy, strengthening processes, and supporting the organization’s

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record delivering improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPS, or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a complex manufacturing operation, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall performance.
• Partner with senior leadership to establish annual operating plans, budgets, priorities, and performance objectives aligned with broader business goals.
• Champion a strong safety culture and drive ongoing improvements in environmental, health, and safety performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, quality, and sustainable operational performance.
• Oversee and support key operational disciplines, including manufacturing and industrial engineering, process improvement, automation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Lead capital planning and investment strategies to improve capacity, productivity, technology, and overall plant performance.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and performance gaps and lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Establish meaningful KPIs and operating controls to measure performance, identify opportunities, and ensure accountability throughout the organization.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement principles across all levels of the operation, creating a culture of ownership and ongoing improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with commercial, finance, engineering, supply chain, and other business functions to support organizational objectives.
• Develop, coach, and engage leaders and employees while building organizational capability for future growth.
• Provide senior leadership with regular insight into operational performance, risks, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business

Job description

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory client in Maryland seeks a Director of Operations to lead the continued advancement of operational performance at a key manufacturing operation. This senior role combines strong plant operations experience with a passion for continuous improvement, people development, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will have broad responsibility for manufacturing performance while shaping strategy, strengthening processes, and supporting the organization’s